The Milwaukee Brewers have been one of the most talked about teams in Major League Baseball ever since the offseason began.
Of course, this is mostly due to the fact that Willy Adames, their star shortstop, is now a free agent. After hitting .251/.331/.462 with 32 home runs, 112 RBI, and 21 stolen bases in 2024, Adames is easily the best player at his position on the open market.
With all of the speculation regarding where Adames will sign this offseason, many have overlooked the fact that the Brewers are in a similar position with one of their star pitchers as they were last year with Corbin Burnes.
The Milwaukee Brewers May Be Looking to Trade All-Star Closer Devin Williams
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Devin Williams (38) reacts after a three run home run by New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso (20) in the ninth inning during game three of the Wildcard round for the 2024 MLB Playoffs at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
Williams, as Brewers fans will recall, missed the majority of the 2024 season due to stress fractures in his back. When he did come back, he returned to his dominant self, posting a 1-0 record, 1.59 ERA, 0.97 WHIP, and 14 saves.
Earlier this month, Milwaukee declined Williams’ $10.5 million club option for 2025. This, however, did not make him a free agent as he still has one more year of arbitration left.
Vikings @ Bears – NFL Game Preview for November 24, 2024
The Brewers likely declined the option because they want to save money on their payroll. Williams’ back injury may make him less expensive after the arbitration hearing, if the two sides do not agree on a contract for 2025 beforehand.It is possible, though, that Milwaukee is not planning on paying Williams in 2025 at all. Due to next season being his last year of club control, many believe the Brewers will trade him, just as they did Burnes and Josh Hader.
The Milwaukee Brewers Could Sign Two-Time All-Star Closer Jordan Romano
Milwaukee Brewers, Jordan Romano
May 13, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Jordan Romano (68) reacts after the final out of the tenth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Trevor Megill led the Brewers with 21 saves in 2024 while posting a 2.72 ERA and 1.01 WHIP. And while Megill and his 100 MPH fastball will be back next year, Milwaukee may prefer to keep him as their setup man.
If they trade Williams, the Brewers could look to the recently non-tendered Jordan Romano as a potential replacement.
Per Curt Bishop of Sports Illustrated, “If [Williams] is traded, there are options the Brewers can pursue to replace him, as they will be trying to contend in 2025. Perhaps they could take a look at Jordan Romano, who was recently non-tendered by the Toronto Blue Jays.”
Romano was affected by injuries in 2024, appearing in just 15 games while posting a 6.59 ERA, 1.46 WHIP, and eight saves.
But from 2021-2023, the former Blue Jays closer was one of the best relievers in all baseball. In those three seasons, he had a 2.37 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, and 95 saves. He also struck out 230 batters in 186.0 innings.
The Brewers are well-known for reviving the careers of pitchers, particularly relief pitchers.
Romano’s injury history in 2024 will likely affect his price tag in free agency, so his signing a one-year deal with Milwaukee in an effort to get his career back on track and drive up his price for 2026 is a possibility.
