Brewers’ Pat Murphy gets a brutally honest admission from Willy Adames before he’s released

The Milwaukee Brewers surprised everyone by winning the National League Central in 2024. After trading Corbin Burnes, few expected them to be in the playoff race. They walked away with the division due to some incredible performances. One was from shortstop Willy Adames, who had a 118 OPS+ and played solid defense. Brewers manager Pat Murphy revealed his expectations for Adames’ free agency and what comes next during shortstop after Brewer Fanatic’s Jack Stern.

“It’s no surprise that Pat Murphy said this afternoon that he doesn’t expect the Brewers to retain Willy Adames,” Stern said. “Murphy indicated that moving Brice Turang to shortstop is a possibility, but his inclination is to keep him at second base, where Turang just won the NL Platinum Glove Award.”

It’s no secret that Adames will no longer be playing for the Brewers. Shortstops of his caliber rarely hit the free-agent market and teams are always trying to fill that hole in the lineup. The Dodgers just won the World Series without a traditional shortstop and continue to spend more money than any other team. Even as reports surface that Mookie Betts could return to the infield, Adames will help in the short term.

Back in Milwaukee, Murphy and the Brewers must figure out how to replace Adames’ production. While it won’t be easy, they have a history that shows they can.

Brewers can replace Willy Adames internally

The Milwaukee Brewers have a reputation for building a team through scouting and excellent young players. They haven’t been able to keep them all, like Burnes, but are finding ways to replace them. Tobias Meyers is the example from the 2024 season, when the unheralded 25-year-old posted a 3.00 ERA in 25 starts.

Brice Turang was the top defensive player in the National League in 2024 and won the Platinum Glove. That proves he’s a defenseman capable of playing shortstop, but it might not be worth taking him from second. If Turang moves to short, Andruw Monasterio can fill the gap in second place. Last season he played 17 games at second and 22 at third as a utility man.

The one thing fans know the Brewers won’t do this season is sign a big free agent. While they could use a top-caliber pitcher, Burnes won’t be back and Max Fried won’t be a Brewer. They will have to replace Willy Adames with an internal candidate and Turang is the best option.