The Milwaukee Brewers may or may not make a splash this trade deadline. They may do nothing at all. In what would be a middle-ground but still impactful move, MLB insider Jeff Passan believes they should have a certain Kansas City infielder on their radar: utility man Maikel Garcia.
Milwaukee Brewers could find intriguing fit in Royals Swiss Army knife swinger
To be clear, Passan knows of no rumblings in Milwaukee about the shortstop position, where Joey Ortiz has been playing better of late amidst what has been overall a disappointing season. Despite his recent improvements at the plate, Ortiz has put up just a .577 OPS.
Passan also notes that the Royals aren’t openly shopping Garcia, who has played mostly at third but would likely see most of his time at short for the Brewers. In his view, it’s just a move that could make sense.
The Royals certainly seem like sellers. At 52-54, they aren’t close in the AL Central Division race and are four games back in a crowded field of wild card contenders.
For Garcia, a 2025 All-Star, it has been a career year. In 103 games, he has slashed .296/.351/.461 with 19 steals and a 3.0 WAR. With his mix of speed, defensive flexibility, and all-around hitting, he seems like a Brewers type of player. In addition to third base, he has played a handful of games at short, second, and outfield.

Joey Ortiz remains a weak link on Brewers roster
Ortiz, though not unpopular with Brewers fans, has taken a major step back from last season after switching positions. Whatever the eye test may suggest, his defensive metrics aren’t flattering. Per Baseball reference, he has saved -6 runs. The Fielding Bible has him at -5.
Following a solid June in the batter’s box, he’s fallen back a bit in July. If the Brewers are looking to fill holes in the lineup, shortstop is the most glaring. There is also, however, a lack of available names at the position, making it harder to address.
If Garcia were to become available, he profiles as a solid fit. Would he suffice as an everyday replacement for Ortiz at short? While Garcia has some experience there, he is much better at third. With Caleb Durbin installed at the hot corner, though, the former wouldn’t have much opportunity to start. Brice Turang is also firmly entrenched at second.
In the end, then, most of Garcia’s starts would have to come at short and possibly in the outfield here and there. Ortiz would lose playing time but if the Brewers committed to acquiring Garcia, it seems reasonable to imagine that he would have the upper hand as the starting shortstop, while Ortiz assumed more of a bench role alternating between spots on the infield.

Grading Maikel Garcia as Brewers trade name
Garcia would definitely fortify the backend of the order. Although he too has struggled some in July, he’s picked it up again with three multi-hit games in his last five and it’s hard to ignore his fully body of work this season. He lacks natural homerun power, but has compiled a solid extra base portfolio: 26 doubles and five triples to go with 10 dingers.
For comparison, Ortiz has just seven homeruns and 10 doubles while also struggling to reach base.
In addition, Garcia is in a favorable salary situation, as he will not hit free agency until 2030. After arbitration ahead of this season, he is making under $800K.
Verdict: the move would not a seamless position fit, but Garcia does offer flexibility. Realistically, Ortiz is better off in a reserve utility role. So far he has not measured up to replacement level performance (-0.5 WAR), let alone starting-caliber play.

Because of his contract control and career year, Garcia could cost something in the way of prospects. The Brewers would need to cautiously consider what the Royals envision as a fair return package. While Garcia is a valuable player even when he isn’t hitting at the level he is, he is hardly worth parting with top of the line names in the farm system.
It’s difficult to fully evaluate a move that hasn’t happened and probably won’t, but as a candidate, Garcia gets a B to B+ grade.
For More Great Wisconsin Content
Follow me on X at @ezsniper14 and follow us @WiSportsHeroics for more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in Wisconsin sports, click here!