The Milwaukee Brewers face a significant challenge this offseason: replacing shortstop Willy Adames, the heart and soul of their clubhouse. Since his midseason acquisition in 2021, Adames has become a fan favorite and set multiple franchise records for players at his position.
In 2024, Adames had a standout season, slashing .251/.331/.462 with 32 home runs, 112 RBI, and 21 stolen bases. His 32 homers set a new franchise record for home runs in a season by a shortstop, while his 112 RBIs surpassed Robin Yount’s previous record. Adames also made history as the first shortstop in Brewers’ history to post a 30-20 season.
Despite his historic performance, the Brewers are likely to be priced out of re-signing Adames. With Adames likely heading elsewhere, the Brewers will have a new shortstop in 2025, but this creates an additional need they will need to address as they look to build for the future.
Joey Ortiz Will Start at Shortstop for the Milwaukee Brewers in 2025
Prior to the start of the 2024 season, the Milwaukee Brewers traded 2021 NL Cy Young Award winner Corbin Burnes to the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for rookies Joey Ortiz and DL Hall. While Hall struggled early in the season and spent a significant amount of time on the injured list, Ortiz emerged as a reliable presence. Originally a shortstop, Ortiz transitioned to third base and played in 142 games, hitting .239/.329/.398 with 11 home runs, 60 RBI, and 11 stolen bases.
2024 NL Manager of the Year Pat Murphy has already indicated that Ortiz will return to his natural shortstop position in 2025, assuming Willy Adames isn’t re-signed. This move will solve the Brewers’ defensive gap left by Adames, but it will also create a new need at third base and fail to address the offensive production Adames provided.
However, there is one trade idea that could potentially fill both needs—addressing both the hole at third base and the need for a powerful bat.
The Milwaukee Brewers Could Trade Devin Williams to the Philadelphia Phillies for Alec Bohm
In a recent article on The Athletic, MLB insider Jim Bowden discussed various trade proposals, including one from a reader suggesting the Milwaukee Brewers send All-Star closer Devin Williams and a prospect to the Philadelphia Phillies for All-Star third baseman Alec Bohm. Bowden thought the trade made sense for both teams, explaining that the Phillies need an elite, right-handed closer, which Williams would provide. He also pointed out that the Phillies could sign a replacement for Bohm, such as Alex Bregman or Willy Adames, to fill the void at third base. Bowden further suggested that the Phillies’ top prospect, Aidan Miller, may not be ready to play third base in the majors until 2026 or 2027, making a trade for a proven third baseman like Bohm logical.
From the Brewers’ perspective, Bowden liked the deal because Bohm would solidify the third base position and replace Willy Adames in their lineup, allowing Joey Ortiz to move back to shortstop with Brice Turang at second base. Bohm, who made the NL All-Star team in 2024 with a line of .280/.332/.448, 15 home runs, and 97 RBI, would certainly help improve the Brewers’ offense.
However, recent reports indicate that the Brewers have no intention of trading Williams this offseason. If a trade does happen, it is expected to be closer to the 2025 trade deadline. As such, while the trade proposal is intriguing, Brewers fans shouldn’t expect it to happen anytime soon.
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