The Milwaukee Brewers have traded for two-time All-Star closer Devin Williams New York Yankees earlier this week. In return, Milwaukee acquired a left-handed starting pitcher Nestor Cortes and forward prospect Caleb Durbin (who previously played at Wisconsin).
Cortes, who was 9-10 with a 3.77 ERA for the Yankees last year, will soon move to the Brewers, starting the rotation behind Freddie Peralta, Brandon Woodruff and Tobias Myers. Durbin, who plays second and third base, gives Milwaukee flexibility in the infield as they try to replace shortstop Willy Adames.
As you might have guessed, the Yankees weren’t the only team interested in Williams. They just offered Milwaukee the best package that fit their needs.
The Los Angeles Dodgers have offered Gavin Lux to the Milwaukee Brewers as part of a potential Devin Williams trade
One team that had long been rumored to be interested in acquiring Williams was the Los Angeles Dodgers. According to Blake Williams z Dodger Blue, The Dodgers actually had an offer on the table for the two-time NL Player of the Year, an offer rejected by the Brewers.
“Before the Brewers and Yankees agreed to the deal, Gavin Lux was included in talks between the Dodgers and Brewers for Williams, and according to a source, a deal discussed between the two clubs also included Hunter Feduccia.” Williams wrote.
Lux hit .251/.320/.383 with 10 home runs and 50 RBI for Los Angeles in 2024. Feduccia, a rising prospect, made his Major League debut last year and hit .333/.429/.333 with an RBI in five games. He hit .284/.409/.428 with six home runs and 50 RBI last season in Triple-A.
Why did the Milwaukee Brewers reject the Dodgers’ offer for Devin Williams?
His report also stated that it was Durbin, not Cortes, who most attracted Milwaukee’s interest. Williams says the Brewers believe the teenage shortstop will take over second base and move Brice Turang to shortstop.
There is one problem with this report, however: Brewers manager Pat Murphy has already suggested that Joey Ortiz will be the team’s main stop in 2025. Asked by Nasty territory whether Ortiz or Turang will be the team’s main stop next season, Murphy said: “The decision will be one or the other. I probably tend to leave Brice alone because he’s so special as you can see at second base.
Turang, of course, won the NL Gold Glove Award at second base and won the National League Platinum Glove. While he is certainly capable of playing in a stoppage position, it may not make sense to force him to change positions.
The positive thing about Durbin is that he can play both second and third, as mentioned earlier. Regardless of which player, Ortiz or Turang, replaces Adames on defense, Durbin could win the starting job by taking over from either of them.
For more great Wisconsin sports content
Follow me on Twitter at @theotherRobin19 and follow us @WiSportsHeroics for more great content. To read more of our articles and stay up to date with Wisconsin sports news, click here!
Mayfield Sports Marketing
Call Mayfield Sports Marketing at 262-366-8188 to schedule Green Bay Packers players or alumni for a corporate appearance or product promotion. Our booking agents will work on your behalf to get you the best price for your chosen sports speaker. Mayfield Sports Marketing has gained a reputation as a company that invites top athletes to speak at events and trade shows. To learn more about Packers or alumni appearance costs and booking fees, call us today. www.MayfieldSports.com.
