Joey Ortiz making a strong case for All-Star selection in breakout season
Milwaukee Brewers third baseman Joey Ortiz.
The Milwaukee Brewers are enjoying a 6.5-game lead in the National League Central, and a significant part of their success can be attributed to a breakout performance from their 25-year-old third baseman, Joey Ortiz.
Ortiz, who joined the Brewers in an offseason trade from the Baltimore Orioles for Corbin Burnes, has been turning heads with his stellar play at the plate and in the field.
In a season where many of the National League's top third basemen are experiencing down years — such as Nolan Arenado, Matt Chapman, Manny Machado and Austin Riley — Ortiz sees the opportunity to make a name for himself.
Leading all third basemen with a 141 OPS+ and tied for third on the Brewers with a 2.0 bWAR, Ortiz is positioning himself as a strong candidate for his first All-Star appearance.
Ortiz's prowess is not just limited to batting average and traditional stats; his advanced metrics are equally impressive. He ranks in the top 5% of players in walk percentage and the top 8% in wOBA, a comprehensive measure of a player's overall offensive contributions.
His 1.052 OPS against teams with records of .500 or better highlights his ability to perform under pressure against tough competition.
Defensively, Ortiz has been a rock for the Brewers. His fielding range ranks 93rd percentile of all position players, underscoring his status as a well-rounded athlete.
These qualities make him a valuable asset to a team that has navigated early-season managerial changes seamlessly, despite offseason speculation about Craig Counsell's departure to the rival Chicago Cubs. Under Pat Murphy's leadership, the Brewers have maintained their focus and are poised to make a strong push toward the postseason.
Ortiz's emergence has somewhat overshadowed his teammate Brice Turang, who often garners attention for his impressive performances.
While Turang is certainly a player to watch, Ortiz's superior power —evident in his six home runs and 13 doubles alongside his impressive .91 walk-to-strikeout ratio as of Monday — showcases his potential for sustained success. By comparison, Turang's 111 OPS+ and .60 walk-to-strikeout ratio, though above average, highlight Ortiz's higher ceiling as a hitter.
The Brewers' strong position in the division race, reflected in their -200 odds to win the NL Central, per DraftKings, provides a favorable backdrop for Ortiz's standout season.
The Brewers have played more than 43 percent of their scheduled games this season, and the young third baseman's performance will be crucial in maintaining their lead and securing a postseason berth.
With a combination of power, plate discipline and defensive prowess, Ortiz is not just having a standout season; he is solidifying his place as one of the premier young talents in Major League Baseball.
As the All-Star Game approaches, Ortiz's continued excellence could very well earn him a starting spot, marking the beginning of what promises to be a bright career.
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