The Milwaukee Brewers had the most successful regular season in franchise history in 2025. They finished the year 97-65, the best record in all of Major League Baseball. Additionally, the Brewers defeated the Chicago Cubs 3-2 in the NLDS, the team’s first postseason series victory since 2018. And while they ended up getting swept in the NLCS, no one can deny the fact that Milwaukee remains a force to be reckoned with.
In order to accomplish the best single-season record in franchise history, the Brewers needed strong seasons for multiple contributors. And while the pitching staff, both starters and relievers, received many accolades and praise for their strong performances, there were several players who had great offensive seasons too.
Christian Yelich, for the first time since 2019, drove in more than 100 runs and hit 29 home runs, his most in a season since that same year. Brice Turang had his best offensive season, hitting .288/.359/.435 with 18 home runs and 81 RBI. Andrew Vaughn revived his career in Milwaukee following a midseason trade, and hit .308/.375/.493 with nine home runs and 46 RBI with the Brewers.
But while these stars thrived, shortstop Joey Ortiz struggled.
Milwaukee Brewers manager Pat Murphy believes Joey Ortiz will bounce back
Ortiz first came to the Brewers via the trade that sent Corbin Burnes to the Baltimore Orioles prior to the 2024 season. He made the Opening Day roster and, eventually, became Milwaukee’s everyday third baseman.
As a rookie that year, he hit .239/.329/.398 with 11 home runs and 60 RBI.
During Spring Training of 2025, Ortiz emerged as the Brewers starting shortstop, and had a solid year defensively. However, he struggled at the plate, hitting just .230/.276/.317 with seven home runs and 45 RBI.
Many fans were frustrated with Ortiz’s lack of offensive production, and wondered if the team would look to upgrade the shortstop position in the offseason.
Based on manager Pat Murphy’s recent comments, though, that does not seem to be on the table.
“Joey is as good a defender at short as there is in the game,” Murphy said. “So that’s not something to just scoff at, like, ‘Oh well, we need more offensive production.’
“Guess what? He’s going to give it to us. He is going to give us more. There’s no question. The kid is very capable, and he’s going to be a very good offensive player.”
Murphy stated that Ortiz’s confidence is shaken after his down year and all the criticism he received from fans, but reiterated that he has no doubt that his shortstop will be better at the plate.
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