Brewers 22-Year-Old Phenom Eyed as Caleb Durbin's Successor

Jett Williams could be the long-term solution at third base for the Milwaukee Brewers.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The Milwaukee Brewers traded away Freddy Peralta and Caleb Durbin this offseason, leaving them with a hole at third base. They signed Luis Rengifo in free agency, but some believe the best long-term solution could be 22-year-old prospect Jett Williams, who was acquired in the Peralta trade.

Why it matters

The Brewers are looking to build a strong infield for the future, and Williams is seen as a potential long-term answer at third base. However, he has never played the position professionally, so there are questions about whether he can make the transition smoothly.

The details

The Brewers could keep Joey Ortiz at shortstop and plug Williams in at third base, or they could shuffle the infield around and move Ortiz to third while putting Williams at second or shortstop. Williams is undersized at 5'7" but is a good defender with a strong arm, so the Brewers are hopeful he can adapt to the hot corner.

  • The Brewers traded Freddy Peralta to the New York Mets in the offseason.
  • The Brewers traded Caleb Durbin to the Boston Red Sox in a separate deal.
  • Jett Williams will get reps at third base during Brewers spring training.

The players

Jett Williams

A 22-year-old prospect acquired by the Brewers in the Freddy Peralta trade, who could be the long-term solution at third base.

Joey Ortiz

The Brewers' shortstop, who could potentially move to third base to accommodate Williams.

Freddy Peralta

A pitcher traded by the Brewers to the New York Mets in the offseason.

Caleb Durbin

A third baseman traded by the Brewers to the Boston Red Sox in the offseason.

Luis Rengifo

A free agent signed by the Brewers to potentially fill the hole at third base.

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What they’re saying

“Alternatively, the Brewers could elect to keep Ortiz at shortstop and plug in Williams at third base. There's clear risk in this approach, however, as Williams has never played third base at the professional level.”

— Joey Peterson, Just Baseball writer (Just Baseball)

What’s next

The Brewers will closely monitor Williams' progress at third base during spring training to see if he can make a smooth transition to the position.

The takeaway

The Brewers are looking to the future and see Jett Williams as a potential long-term solution at third base, but he will need to prove he can handle the position at the professional level during spring training and the upcoming season.