In the aftermath of a truncated 2024 season marred by injury, the powerhouse known as Devin Williams remains an undeniable force within the realm of elite closers. Emerging from his mid-season back injury, Williams showcased a performance strikingly reminiscent of his stellar All-Star years in 2022 and 2023. During his comeback, he tantalizingly amassed a minuscule 1.25 ERA and an impressive 2.31 SIERA across 21.1 innings, fanning a staggering 38 of the 88 batters he confronted. As Williams strides into his 30th year, his career metrics—boasting a dazzling 1.83 ERA, a 39.4% strikeout rate, alongside 68 saves out of 78 opportunities—paint a vivid picture of his immense trade value as the Milwaukee Brewers contemplate their offseason strategy.
In recent discussions, Brewers GM Matt Arnold expressed a cautious openness to the possibility of trading Williams. Echoing similar sentiments throughout October and into November, Arnold noted, “Certainly, we have to be open to those types of things, but I think he makes our team better.” This cautious affirmation hints at a reluctance to block the door on trades—especially given Milwaukee’s history of offloading star pitchers a year before free agency beckons. Under Arnold’s guidance, alongside former operations head David Stearns, the Brewers notoriously traded Josh Hader to the Padres just before the 2022 deadline and recently orchestrated Corbin Burnes’ transition to the Orioles. Such shrewd maneuvers underscore the organizational acumen in sustaining competitiveness, even in the wake of significant player departures. Thus, the possibility looms—could we ultimately see Williams clad in a different uniform come Opening Day 2025?
As MLB Trade Rumors analyst Steve Adams delineated, Williams ranks fourth among the Top 35 Trade Candidates for the offseason, trailing only Garrett Crochet of the White Sox, Ryan Helsley from the Cardinals, and Erick Fedde, also of St. Louis. The speculative undercurrent suggests that with Helsley’s trade market cooled, Williams ascends as the premier reliever available. Indeed, as the free agency landscape shifts, former Yankees closer Clay Holmes signed with the Mets, fortifying the notion that the availability of top-tier right-handed relievers is diminishing.
If the Brewers decide to part ways with Williams, the return could rival the caliber anticipated from previous trading ventures; however, it’s crucial to note that the haul may not match the young talent they gleaned from Burnes or Hader’s trades. Historically, contenders will find themselves equipped to formulate compelling offers for Williams. Ken Rosenthal from The Athletic even surmised that a deal for Williams “ideally” aims for a young starter, yet the wide spectrum of potential trade packages could yield various returns.
Diving into potential suitors eager to nab Williams, numerous teams emerge with stark interest:
Blue Jays: Once home to Jordan Romano, who struggled significantly in 2024, Toronto’s bullpen faltered comprehensively, placing them at a critical juncture. As they pursue upgrades, Williams could drastically revitalize one of the league’s most challenged bullpens.
Diamondbacks: Despite a respectable group of relievers, Arizona lacks a go-to closer. With GM Mike Hazen’s vision focusing on enhancing their back-end capabilities, engaging Williams could bolster this ambition, not to mention his below-market projected salary of $7.7MM.
Phillies: The void created by free agent departures of key relievers spells opportunity in Philadelphia. Their search for reliable right-handed arms makes pursuance of a seasoned closer like Williams not just enticing, but necessary.
Rangers: Fresh off a dismal 2024 performance from their bullpen, Texas stands in need of revitalization. Williams’ eligibility for arbitration positions him as a financially prudent investment as they strive to elevate their relief corps.
Royals and Tigers: Each franchise could also view Williams as a transformative figure in their pitching landscape; the Royals seek a proven closer as they eye contention, while the Tigers target a refined bullpen to capitalize on their competitive aspirations.
Yankees: After their World Series loss, the Bronx Bombers are poised to reload, and acquiring an established closer could be the key to complement their dreams of postseason redemption.
Others in the mix, including the Dodgers, Giants, and Padres, cannot be overlooked, as they continuously strategize to enhance their rosters, with Williams representing an enticing opportunity to strengthen their pitches as narratives unfold within the league.
Ultimately, while the Brewers remain a championship contender, the decision regarding Williams could hinge not just on their pursuit of immediate success but also on their overarching strategy to maintain competitiveness in an increasingly challenging market.
