The Milwaukee Brewers are off to a flying start in the 2026 MLB season, sweeping the Chicago White Sox in their first three games. This team seems to have picked up right where they left off last year, creating chaos for opponents with their aggressive base running and consistent contact hitting.
A standout in this early surge is shortstop Joey Ortiz, who appears poised for a comeback season. After a challenging 2025 where his offensive struggles had some fans questioning his place on the team, Ortiz is turning heads with his performance.
Last season, Ortiz's stats were less than stellar, hitting .230/.276/.317 with seven home runs and 45 RBIs. He faced a lot of pressure, especially when he came up to bat with the bases loaded, managing only five hits in 30 such opportunities.
Despite these struggles, Brewers manager Pat Murphy remained confident in Ortiz's potential. Murphy's faith was rooted not just in Ortiz's ability to improve at the plate, but in his remarkable defensive skills. Murphy shared his thoughts with reporters, highlighting Ortiz's resilience and the trust his teammates have in him.
“Any kid that can go through what he went through last year, offensively, taking a lot of heat from outsiders... to have him still go out and display defense the way he has... the team believes in this dude,” Murphy explained. “I don’t remember a dude that played shortstop like that.
So consistent, and his key is the way he can redirect the baseball. It’s uncanny.”
Ortiz's defensive prowess was on full display in the series against the White Sox, but it was his offensive resurgence that caught attention. He hit an impressive .455/.500/.455 with 3 RBIs and two stolen bases, showcasing the kind of balanced play that could make him a key player for the Brewers this season.
If Ortiz continues to build on this strong start, he could be a game-changer for Milwaukee, providing both defensive stability and offensive spark. As the season unfolds, fans will be eager to see if Ortiz can sustain this level of performance and help lead the Brewers to greater heights.