Brewers 2025 season in review: the infield group

The 2025 season brought plenty of movement and intrigue across the Milwaukee Brewers’ infield. While the middle infield duo of Brice Turang and Joey Ortiz anchored the defense from Opening Day, the corner spots saw some shuffling around. At third base, Vinny Capra and Oliver Dunn were trialed before giving way to Rookie of the Year finalist Caleb Durbin, and across the diamond, Rhys Hoskins lost his spot to newcomer Andrew Vaughn, who shared reps with Jake Bauers down the stretch.

Durbin’s rise from a Division III college player, with stops in the Northwoods League, including a stint with the Fond du Lac Spiders, to becoming an everyday third baseman is a remarkable story of perseverance. Similarly, Vaughn, once a highly touted first-round pick cast off by the Chicago White Sox, found new life in a Brewers uniform and went on an offensive tear that reminded everyone why he was so highly regarded in the first place.

The success that Durbin and Vaughn enjoyed in 2025 has positioned both to open next season as everyday players right out of camp. Turang finds himself in a similar situation, though his exact role remains uncertain as the question is whether he stays at second base or slides over to shortstop to relieve Ortiz, whose offensive struggles were a concern throughout the year.

Other infield contributors in 2025 included Andruw Monasterio, who filled the role of backup shortstop. Anthony Seigler also saw action in 34 games, while Tyler Black’s season was limited to just five appearances.

What's in store for the Milwaukee Brewers infield in 2026?

Of the Brewers’ four everyday infielders from last season: Vaughn, Turang, Ortiz, and Durbin, a shakeup that moves Ortiz out of a regular starting role could be on the horizon. Depending on whether Milwaukee adds a second baseman, shortstop, or third baseman, both Turang and Durbin offer enough defensive versatility to shift positions if needed.

No matter how things shake out, Milwaukee has a strong foundation in place and several promising prospects on the way. Adding a versatile veteran like Willi Castro, someone capable of playing both the infield and outfield, would fit the Brewers’ typical approach. A short-term deal for a player of his profile would provide valuable depth and experience without blocking the path for the organization’s rising talent.

All in all, the Brewers are expected to bring back their regular infield group in 2026. However, the organization may look for ways to scale back Ortiz’s everyday role while keeping him on the roster as a valuable defensive option, or giving competition so that he has to earn his starting spot back through improved performance.