The Milwaukee Brewers made a significant decision already this offseason in regards to their All-Star closer Devin Williams. Perhaps unsurprisingly, due to their tight spending and small payroll, Milwaukee declined Williams’ $10.5 million club option for next year. He will be back with the Brewers, though, as he still has one season of arbitration remaining.
That is, of course, unless they trade him.
There have been plenty of trade rumors circulating about Williams over the past few weeks, though it is pretty well-known that Milwaukee plans on keeping the 2020 NL Rookie of the Year, at least for now.
The Milwaukee Brewers Could Trade All-Star Closer Devin Williams This Season
Part of the reason why the Brewers declined Williams’ option was because they feel they will likely be able to pay him less in 2025 by going through the arbitration process. The two-time All-Star closer missed most of the 2024 season with stress fractures in his back, which will undoubtedly bring down his value.
That being said, Williams was still dynamic when he returned from his injury. In 22 games, he was 1-0 with a 1.25 ERA, 0.97 WHIP, and 14 saves. He also struck out 38 batters in just 21.2 innings pitched.
Indeed, there is no question that, when he is healthy, Williams is one of the best closers in all baseball. While his recent postseason appearances have left much to be desired, he will be one of the most coveted names on the free agent market after the 2025 season.
Because of this, many speculate that the Brewers will trade him midseason if they do not ship him out prior. In any case, Milwaukee will need a new closer to replace him when/if that happens.
The Milwaukee Brewers Could Sign Two-Time World Series Champion Blake Treinen
One intriguing option is former Los Angles Dodgers relief pitcher Blake Treinen. According to Patrick McAvoy of Sports Illustrated, “He’s now 36 years old and is projected to receive a one-year deal worth $2.4 million. Milwaukee could afford that.”
Treinen appeared in 50 games in 2024 after missing the entire 2023 season with a shoulder injury. He also missed the start of the 2024 season with a bruised lung after getting hit by a line drive during spring training.
However, he also had a stellar season once he was able to take the field. He posted a 7-3 record, 1.93 ERA, and 0.94 WHIP.
For his career, which has spanned over a decade, Treinen is 43-34 with a 2.78 ERA and 1.20 WHIP. He has had an ERA under 2.00 in each of the past three seasons that he has pitched.
Treinen has not been a closer often in his career, but he did make the American League All-Star team in 2018 when he was the closer for Oakland A’s. He finished that season with a 9-2 record, 0.78 ERA, 0.83 WHIP, and 38 saves.
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