It was a bit of a surprise on Monday when it was announced that the Brewers traded Caleb Durbin to the Red Sox in a deal sending Andruw Monasterio and Anthony Seigler to the Bay Area as well. Coming back to Milwaukee in the deal are left-handed pitcher Kyle Harrison, infielder David Hamilton, and pitching prospect Shane Drohan. While some of these pieces could contribute to the Brewers this year, Matt Arnold sent three players to Boston with third base experience, leaving a seemingly gaping hole at the hot corner. An external option could present itself, such as a trade for Isaac Paredes coupled with the recent signing of Luis Rengifo, but internally, many names could man third base come Opening Day against the White Sox. 

Ortiz might be the most likely name in the Brewers organization to start at third base on Opening Day. While his offensive numbers dipped to a well below league-average slash line of .230/.276/.317, Ortiz still possesses the most third base experience on the big-league roster. He started 124 games at third base in 2024, helping turn 24 double plays while recording 10 errors in 1098.1 innings played. Additionally, Ortiz recorded +11 OAA in 2024, ranking 29th in the league in fielding run value. His numbers increased in 2025 after a move to shortstop, recording +13 OAA and ranking 23rd overall in fielding run value. Ortiz will be good defensively, but don’t expect much power production from Ortiz. His exit velocity and expected slugging were both in the bottom 3rd percentile in MLB, and there aren’t many signs of improvement offensively. Expect him to contribute with his defense and speed, as will many other Brewers this year.

The 22-year-old shortstop was acquired in the Freddy Peralta trade with the New York Mets in January, and the no. 51 prospect in baseball, according to MLB Pipeline, will get spring training reps at the hot corner, according to Matt Arnold, the Brewers’ president of baseball operations. Williams started 70 total games at shortstop last year in the Mets’ system between Double-A and Triple-A, committing eleven errors in those games. He also spent time at second base and in center field. With the bat, it was a tale of two teams for Williams. In Double-A with the Binghamton Rumble Ponies,s Williams earned a slashline of .281/.390/.477 with 10 home runs. After a promotion to Triple-A Syracuse in August last year, Williams’ slashline was .209/.285/.433, which showed some decreases in batting average and on-base percentage. However, Williams hit 7 home runs, almost as many as he hit in Binghamton in close to three times as many games. Williams starting at a position he hasn’t played in the minor leagues on Opening Day is extremely unlikely, and it is more likely that Williams is on the roster as the starting shortstop, with Ortiz sliding over to third. 

David Hamilton

The recently acquired Hamilton played 91 games this past season for the Red Sox, and in 177 at bats he posted a .222/.283/.359 slash line while primarily playing second base. Hamilton has little experience at third base in the majors (one inning last year), so expect him to fit into a utility role for the Brewers this year. 

Leonard may be a bit of an unknown name, as the 25-year-old was signed to a minor league contract back in November, but he recently received a non-roster invite to spring training in Phoenix. While never having big league experience, Leonard compiled a .239/.304/.739 slashline in Triple-A Gwinnett last year. He hit 20 home runs and, in addition to his offensive numbers, started 35 games at third base, committing five errors. It’s unlikely Leonard is the third base starter over any of the three listed above, but don’t be surprised if he swings the bat well and helps the Brewers at some point this year.

The 23-year-old former first-round pick received a non-roster invite, similarly to Leonard, but it would be a long shot for Wilken to start Opening Day at third base. Wilken hasn’t played above Double-A, playing 79 games with the Biloxi Shuckers last year. He found his swing this past season, raising his OPS from .679 in 2024 to .876 in 2025 due to the help of 18 home runs. Barring unforeseen circumstances, Wilken won’t make the team out of spring training, but getting another strong year under his belt, along with staying healthy, could lead to him being in the roster conversation next year.

Whether it is an internal or external move, the Brewers will need to figure out the hot corner sooner rather than later, allowing them more consistency and chemistry within the infield heading into the regular season.