The Milwaukee Brewers surprised fans and analysts alike on Monday morning with a trade that significantly altered their infield depth ahead of spring training. In a deal with the Boston Red Sox, the Brewers sent Caleb Durbin, Andruw Monasterio, and Anthony Seigler to Boston, acquiring left-handed pitchers Kyle Harrison and Shane Drohan, along with former Brewers draftee David Hamilton. This move shook the Brewers’ short-term infield plans with the 2026 season opening less than a week away.
Caleb Durbin was widely expected to start at third base on Opening Day, while Monasterio and Seigler were in contention for utility roles. Although David Hamilton brings some middle infield experience, the loss of Durbin leaves Milwaukee without a clear-cut starting option at the hot corner. With spring training workouts imminent in Arizona, the Brewers must quickly devise solutions to fill the gap left by the trade.
Possible Shifts in Infield Positions to Address the Vacancy
The Brewers have several potential strategies to contend with the sudden third-base shortage. One involves moving Joey Ortiz back to third base, with Brice Turang and new addition Jett Williams covering shortstop and second base, respectively. Given Turang’s Platinum Glove status, deploying him at shortstop seems the best defensive fit, while Williams is projected to play second. However, Williams remains unproven at shortstop, and Ortiz would be adjusting to a new position, which could present risks early in the season.
Prospects and Free Agency Offer Limited Immediate Solutions
Another option for Milwaukee is promoting a top prospect to fill the role. Brock Wilken, the 2023 first-round pick who showed promise in Double-A before a knee injury, has yet to reach Triple-A. Meanwhile, Andrew Fischer, the 2025 first-round choice who will play for Team Italy in the upcoming World Baseball Classic, remains a distant candidate for a starting role at third base in 2026. The free agent market, featuring names such as José Iglesias and Ramón Urías, offers few appealing options and would represent a downgrade from Durbin.
Given the lack of straightforward internal or external options, many expect the Brewers to pursue a trade for a quality third baseman soon. Power-hitting upgrades are especially desired as Milwaukee looks to bolster its lineup following this offseason’s moves.
Why Josh Jung of the Texas Rangers Stands Out as a Top Trade Target
One of the most compelling names linked to the Brewers as a replacement for Durbin is Josh Jung of the Texas Rangers. A Texas native and former Texas Tech star, Jung was selected eighth overall in the 2019 MLB Draft. At Texas Tech, he posted a remarkable 1.032 OPS across three seasons and earned Big 12 Co-Player of the Year honors in 2019.
Jung advanced steadily through the minors, debuting with the Rangers in 2022 but appearing in only 26 games. His true rookie season was 2023, when he became an All-Star during the team’s World Series championship run. Jung posted an impressive .867 OPS in the postseason, helped Texas win the title, and finished fourth in the American League Rookie of the Year voting.
Injury Setbacks and Recent Performance Clouds Yet Show Potential
The momentum from Jung’s breakout year was halted early in 2024 due to a fractured right wrist sustained shortly after Opening Day. Although he returned to play by late July and maintained solid production—a 108 OPS+ across 46 games—he was sidelined again before the season’s end with wrist tendinitis.
Jung’s 2025 campaign did not meet the high expectations set in his rookie year. He struggled to consistently get on base, and while his power numbers declined, he still delivered a league-average 100 OPS+ alongside strong defensive contributions at third base, finishing with a 1.7 fWAR. At 27, however, Jung may still have his peak performance ahead, especially with another year past his injuries and room for refinement.
Why the Brewers Could Benefit from Acquiring Josh Jung
By targeting Josh Jung, the Brewers might “buy low” on a third baseman with proven All-Star caliber upside. His draft status and past production suggest his 2023 breakout was authentic rather than a fluke, and his defensive skills provide a safe floor. Milwaukee’s coaching could help fine-tune Jung’s plate discipline, similar to their previous success aiding former first-round pick Andrew Vaughn.
Jung’s contract situation also aligns well with Milwaukee’s outlook. With a salary of $2.9 million in his first arbitration year and team control through the 2028 season, he fits the Brewers’ timeline without overlapping too heavily with their promising infield prospects. Meanwhile, the Rangers are at a crossroads, having recently traded for MacKenzie Gore while indicating a desire to lower payroll and rejuvenate their roster. MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand identified Jung as a trade candidate as early as December.
The Brewers might attract the Rangers’ interest by offering promising prospects or controllable pitchers from their deep farm system in exchange for Jung. Such a move would clear a pathway for Texas prospect Sebastian Walcott, another highly regarded infielder, to ascend in their system.
Remaining Options and Continued Uncertainty for Milwaukee’s Infield
While Milwaukee might start the season with a mix of Jett Williams and David Hamilton as the backup infielders, the front office is clearly exploring better third base options. Although Isaac Paredes of the Houston Astros is discussed as a possible acquisition, Jung’s fit within the AL West and his combination of youth, power potential, and defensive skill make him a sensible and intriguing candidate for the Brewers.
The unfolding trade scenario and ongoing roster decisions reflect Milwaukee’s urgency to stabilize an integral position at third base after the unexpected departure of Caleb Durbin. With spring training opening soon and the season approaching, the Brewers’ moves in the coming weeks will be key in defining their infield strength and impact their competitive outlook for 2026.
