The Milwaukee Brewers have made some intriguing moves this offseason, shaking up their roster with a couple of notable trades. First, they dealt Freddy Peralta to the New York Mets, acquiring Jett Williams and Brandon Sproat in return. With Peralta's contract set to expire, this trade was a logical move for the Brewers.
But here's where it gets controversial... The Brewers also traded away Caleb Durbin, along with some other infielders, to the Boston Red Sox. In exchange, they received David Hamilton, Kyle Harrison, and Shane Drohan. While Harrison has bolstered their pitching staff, the trade has left a significant gap at third base, creating a dilemma for the team.
The Search for Durbin's Successor
CBS Sports' RJ Anderson recently ranked Williams, acquired in the Peralta trade, as one of the top prospects in the game. He believes Williams could be the long-term solution at the hot corner, filling the void left by Durbin.
"Williams challenges conventional wisdom. He's a speedy 5'7" player who has played all three up-the-middle positions," Anderson wrote. "But his offensive game isn't about contact. He's a slugger, using his ability to lift and pull the ball to make the most of his average strength."
However, Williams' aggressive approach at the plate comes with a downside. He strikes out frequently, with a 73.5% contact rate in Triple-A. This suggests he could strike out around a quarter of the time in the majors. Despite this, Anderson believes Williams has the potential for a solid big-league career, offering power, walks, defense, and baserunning skills.
If Williams proves ready for the big leagues, he could be the perfect replacement for Durbin. The Brewers will get a clearer picture of his readiness during spring training.
The Brewers have several options for Williams' position. He could play third base, or they could move Joey Ortiz to third and slide Williams to second. Alternatively, they could put Williams at shortstop and Ortiz at third.
Regardless, Williams is expected to have a long and successful career in Milwaukee. It's highly unlikely that he won't be starting every day by May.
So, what do you think? Is Williams the right choice to succeed Durbin? Or do you see another player filling that role? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
