Devin Williams was greatly affected when the Brewers traded Josh Hader. At the time of the trade the team was in first place in the NL Central and looking to make some noise in the postseason. However, when they traded their All-Star closer the clubhouse felt the effects and players knew the energy was different. Perhaps the most affected by the trade was Hader’s setup man.
The trade did not make much sense in the clubhouse at the time and players were open about how unexpected it felt. Now, months later, after missing the postseason for the first time since 2017, Devin Williams opened up about the trade to Bob Nightengale for USA TODAY Sports.
Devin Williams’ Comments
“Everybody still asks me, ‘Why did you trade Hader?’To this day, I still don’t know. I still can’t figure it out.”
-Devin Williams to USA TODAY Sports
Williams felt the most pressure after Hader was traded. He went from the best setup man in the league to having to fill the shoes of the best closer in the big leagues. Williams struggled early but eventually settled into his new role. So far this season he has been automatic as the closer.
“When that happened last year, it just brought us down. It wasn’t something that was quickly forgotten. And rightfully so, to be honest with you. I mean, trade your [expleitive] closer? That’s how we won last year. I was No. 1 in holds. [Brad] Boxberger was No. 2 in holds. Hader was No. 1 in saves. That’s how we won. Then, you trade the guy at the end, and say it’s going to be fine.”
“You can’t just put numbers in a computer. A computer algorithm doesn’t tell you how different it’s going to feel doing this. These are people. There’s a lot of chemistry stuff. You see how that turned out for us.”
-Devin Williams to USA TODAY Sports
Williams did not hold back on the effect the trade had on the team. Other teammates echoed the same sentiment. Devin Williams, like Hader, was an All-Star last season and is on track to be one again. He has not had as many save opportunities as Hader this season, but that is in part to how well the Brewers have been playing.
Devin Williams vs. Josh Hader
Williams and Hader dominated when they were playing together and have a very strong relationship. However, they are no longer teammates and are now two of the best closers in the game. The two got the chance to take the mound in the 9th inning on April 16th in a tied game. Both put up a zero to get the game to extras as a part of their phenomenal starts to 2023. The Brewers would win the game in the 10th inning, but both Williams and Hader got a chance to show why they are regarded as two of the best in the game.
Both players are on their way to being named All-Stars again in 2023.
2023 Stats
Devin Williams (2-0)
- 7.0 IP
- 1.000 WHIP
- 15.4 SO/9
- 0.00 ERA
- 3 SV
Josh Hader (0-0)
- 11.0 IP
- 0.636 WHIP
- 13.1 SO/9
- 0.82 ERA
- 8 SV
As Always
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