Ortiz Transforms Season with Hot Stretch for Brewers
After batting .200 through late June, Joey Ortiz has raised his average to .256 with a .919 OPS over his last 47 games. He shifted from shortstop to third base when Cooper Pratt was promoted. Ortiz now ranks in the 98th percentile in outs above average.
Ortiz's turnaround began almost immediately after Cooper Pratt's promotion forced him across the diamond to third base. His defensive metrics remained elite throughout the slump, with 12 outs above average placing him in the 98th percentile leaguewide. The offensive production since June 29 has been dramatic: a .319 batting average, seven home runs, and 25 RBIs across 47 games, lifting his season OPS from .530 to .710.
The Brewers now face a crowded infield picture beyond 2026. Andrew Fischer has hit 43 home runs in the minors, while Jett Williams, acquired from the Mets in the offseason, is currently injured but remains a factor. Ortiz's recent surge, however, has strengthened his case for a permanent role, a stark contrast to June when fans were calling for his replacement.
Ortiz's resurgence could reshape how the Brewers allocate playing time and roster resources in the coming seasons, potentially affecting the development paths of younger infield prospects like Fischer and Williams. For fans, the turnaround offers a compelling narrative of perseverance, reinforcing the value of patience with struggling players. His improved production may also influence trade discussions and contract decisions, with ripple effects on the team's competitive window and the broader National League playoff picture.