The Milwaukee Brewers have been one of the most talked about teams in Major League Baseball this offseason. This has been particularly evident over the past week, with several players previously associated with the team making headlines.
A week ago, former shortstop Willy Adames signed a seven-year contract worth $182 million San Francisco Giants. His 2024 season, in which he 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 reliever prospect Caleb Durbin.
Why have Milwaukee breweries strengthened their cooperation with Devin Williams?
Williams, a two-time All-Star and two-time National League Player of the Year (not to mention 2020 NL Rookie of the Year), finishes his time in Milwaukee with a 27-10 record, 1.83 ERA, 1.03 WHIP and 68 saves.
While his numbers are astonishing, the fact is that the Brewers have one of the best teams in baseball, even without Williams. As fans will recall, he missed the first few months of the season with a stress fracture in his back. When he returned, he was full of energy, but in his absence Trevor Megill he had 20 saves in 22 opportunities and a 2.72 ERA.
That, combined with the fact that Milwaukee was able to acquire Durbin in return, made the decision to trade Williams an uncomplicated one. With Adames gone, the Brewers must either move Joey Ortiz or Brice Turang to shortstop (Pat Murphy would prefer to keep Turang at second base, where he won a Gold and Platinum Glove). Durbin gives Milwaukee flexibility in this regard.
Oh, and the Brewers had no plans to re-sign Williams when he retires after the 2025 season.
Devin Williams posts 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:
“Thank you, Milwaukee!
“This city and its 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 in mind… I can’t wait for the next chapter! See you soon, New York.”
Given the discourse surrounding Williams after he fumbled on defense in Milwaukee’s season-ending playoffs, the star decided to limit comments on his post.
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