The Milwaukee Brewers have been one of the most talked about teams in Major League Baseball throughout the course of this offseason. This has been especially true of the last week or so as several players formerly associated with the team have made some pretty big headlines.
One week ago, former shortstop Willy Adames signed a seven-year $182 million deal with the San Francisco Giants. His 2024 season, which saw him hit .251/.331/.462 with 32 home runs, 112 RBI, and 21 stolen bases, made him one of the most sought-after free agents on the market.
A few days later, the Brewers traded two-time All-Star closer Devin Williams to the New York Yankees for left-handed starting pitcher Nestor Cortes and infielder prospect Caleb Durbin.
Why Did the Milwaukee Brewers Trade Closer Devin Williams?
Williams, a two-time All-Star and two-time National League Reliever of the Year (not to mention the 2020 NL Rookie of the Year) ends his time in Milwaukee with a 27-10 record, 1.83 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, and 68 saves.
While his numbers are astounding, the fact of the matter is that the Brewers have one of the best bullpens in baseball, even without Williams. As fans may recall, he missed the first several months of the season due to stress fractures in his back. He was electric when he came back, but in his absence Trevor Megill had 20 saves in 22 chances and a 2.72 ERA.
This, in addition to the fact that Milwaukee was able to get Durbin in return, made the decision to trade Williams an easy one. With Adames gone, the Brewers need to either move Joey Ortiz or Brice Turang to shortstop (Pat Murphy would prefer to keep Turang at second base where he won a Gold Glove and Platinum Glove). Durbin gives Milwaukee the flexibility to do that.
Oh, and the Brewers were not planning on re-signing Williams when he hits free agency following the 2025 season.
Devin Williams Posts a Farewell Message to Milwaukee Brewers Fans
On the same day that Adames posted his farewell message to Brewers fans, Williams shared one of his own on social media:
View this post on Instagram
“Thank you Milwaukee!
“This city & the fans will always hold a special place in my heart. I’m forever grateful to the Brewers for giving me the opportunity to go out and show the world what I can do. With that being said.. I’m excited for the next chapter! See you soon New York.”
Given the discourse surrounding Williams after he blew a save in the playoffs that ended Milwaukee’s season, the star closer decided to limit the comments on his post.
More Milwaukee Brewers News from Wisconsin Sports Heroics
- Former Milwaukee Brewers Starter Signs with the Toronto Blue Jays
- MLB Insider Reveals 1 More Player the Milwaukee Brewers Are Interested in Trading This Winter
- Milwaukee Brewers: Dodgers Offer for a Potential Devin Williams Trade Revealed
- Dodgers Sign Different Former Brewers Pitcher After Missing Out on Devin Williams
- Former Milwaukee Brewers All-Star Finally Gets Elected to the Hall of Fame
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