The Milwaukee Brewers made a significant decision this offseason regarding their upcoming All-Star, Devin Williams. Perhaps unsurprisingly, due to circumscribed spending and low payroll, Milwaukee declined Williams’ $10.5 million club option for next year. He will return to the Brewers, however, as he has one arbitration season remaining.
That is, of course, unless they sell it.
There have been plenty of trade rumors surrounding Williams over the last few weeks, though it’s common knowledge that Milwaukee plans to retain the 2020 NL Rookie of the Year title, at least for now.
The Milwaukee Brewers could trade Devin Williams for an All-Star closer this season
One of the reasons the Brewers declined Williams’ option was they believed they would 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 a stress fracture in his back, which will undoubtedly lower his value.
That being said, Williams continued to be lively when he returned from 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 doubt that Williams, when fit, is one of the best closers in all of baseball. While his recent offseason performances 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 brewers will sell it mid-season if they don’t ship it sooner. Either way, Milwaukee will need a up-to-date player to replace him when/if that happens.
The Milwaukee Brewers could sign two-time World Series champion Blake Treinen
One intriguing option is the first Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Blake Treinen. According to Patrick McAvoy z Illustrated sports“He is now 36 years venerable and is projected to receive a one-year deal worth $2.4 million. Milwaukee could afford it.
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 following a line drive during spring training.
However, he also had an outstanding season when he was able to get on the field. He posted a 7-3 record, 1.93 ERA and 0.94 WHIP.
In his decade-plus career, Treinen is 43-34 with a 2.78 ERA and 1.20 WHIP. In each of the last three seasons he pitched, his ERA was below 2.00.
Treinen hasn’t been closer to the goal often in his career, but he made the American League All-Star team in 2018, the closest he’s ever been to the 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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