The Milwaukee Brewers have been home to one of the most formidable bullpens this past season, a feat achieved while only getting 21.2 innings from their All-Star closer, Devin Williams.
Despite recent roster changes, such as the departure of Bryse Wilson and Hoby Milner, the core of this bullpen seems poised to return for the 2025 season — unless, of course, Williams finds himself on the trade block.
The rumor mill is buzzing with whispers that Williams’ growing price tag might be too hefty for the Brewers’ liking, potentially prompting a trade.
It’s a familiar tune for this franchise, known for parting ways with talent like Corbin Burnes and Josh Hader when the cost became too burdensome.
Meanwhile, the Toronto Blue Jays made headlines by opting not to tender a contract to their own All-Star closer, Jordan Romano. At 31, he now enters free agency, sparking intrigue across the league.
For the Brewers, this timing might be serendipitous. Should they decide to move Williams, Romano stands out as a potential fit for Milwaukee’s closer role.
Romano’s 2024 campaign was marred by injuries, limiting him to just 15 appearances where he managed eight saves but struggled with a 6.59 ERA. The Blue Jays hoped for a late-season comeback, but an uncooperative elbow led them to cut ties rather than gamble on his recovery.
While the 2024 stats may raise eyebrows, Romano’s track record paints a different picture. His 2023 form was impressive, backed by stats that solidified him as one of the league’s elite closers.
A deep dive into Romano’s Baseball Savant profile highlights his proficiency: he sat in the 86th percentile for Pitching Run Value, with a 90th Chase % and a 96th Whiff %.
These figures underline the prowess that made him a dual-time All-Star.
If the Brewers can verify that Romano is back in top shape for 2025, reaching out to his representatives seems a no-brainer.
His potential to deliver elite closing performances at a more palatable price could offer considerable relief as the Brewers look to manage their payroll while maintaining competitive strength in their bullpen.
