Devin Williams, the two-time All-Star closer for the Milwaukee Brewers, finds himself in the midst of speculation regarding a potential trade as the Brewers have declined his $10.5 million club option for 2025. This development, reported by ESPN's Jeff Passan, indicates that Williams will receive a $250,000 buyout but remains under the Brewers' roster for his final year of arbitration, where he is expected to earn between $8-9 million. Furthermore, sources suggest that Williams is already considered 'on the market' by executives within the league.
Despite the Brewers’ decision, Williams' performance on the field has solidified his reputation, having been named the National League Rookie of the Year in 2020. He has maintained an impressive 1.70 ERA over the last five seasons and has a remarkable whiff rate of 46.5% against his signature 'Airbender' changeup, which has limited opposing hitters to a .135 batting average since 2020. The Brewers' management is known for trading valuable assets before the onset of free agency, thus positioning Williams as a viable trade candidate ahead of 2025's free agency.
Given the timing of the decision, attention now turns to Williams' trade value and potential destinations. His surplus value is estimated at $11.2 million according to Baseball Trade Values, which although unlikely to fetch an elite prospect, could lead to significant returns such as top-10 prospects from various teams. As analysis continues, it is essential to examine 10 potential suitors for Williams, taking into account their specific needs and what they could offer in return for the promising closer.
