Devin Williams has firmly established himself as one of the premier closers in Major League Baseball over the past five years.
With a dazzling career ERA of 1.83, two All-Star nods, a Rookie of the Year honor, and even a share of Cy Young consideration in 2020, Williams’ prowess on the mound is undeniable.
However, as the Milwaukee Brewers enter the offseason, the question of his future looms large.
Brewers GM Matt Arnold’s recent comments about keeping the door open for potential trades have fueled speculation, especially given the financial realities faced by small-market teams like Milwaukee.
For Brewers fans, the thought of Williams donning another team’s jersey is unsettling, but not unheard of, given the team’s past strategies. As a small-market club, the Brewers might look to trade Williams before he hits free agency in 2025.
Unsurprisingly, this has set the rumor mill churning with an array of trade scenarios, many of which paint a grim picture for the Brewers’ return on investment.
Among the most outlandish of these scenarios is a proposed trade with the Pittsburgh Pirates, floated by Bleacher Report’s Kerry Miller.
The suggestion involves sending Williams to the divisional rival Pirates in exchange for pitching prospect Braxton Ashcraft. Simply put, this proposal raises eyebrows for more than one reason.
First, Williams’ value cannot be overstated. He’s not just a reliable arm; he’s a game-changer.
The Pirates, on the other hand, are a team on the rise, looking to close the gap in the NL Central. Handing them a closer of Williams’ caliber could accelerate their competitive ascent—a risky move for the Brewers.
Moreover, the idea of trading Williams within the division might not be as far-fetched as some believe, but the proposed return is puzzling.
While Ashcraft boasts impressive stats with a combined 2.84 ERA over stints in Double-A and Triple-A, he doesn’t quite match the caliber of return one would expect for a player of Williams’ stature.
Comparatively, when the Brewers traded Josh Hader in 2022, they secured a far more substantial haul. Hader, with more control left, netted Milwaukee several prospects and established players.
Translating that logic, a package for Williams should surely be more robust than a single prospect, albeit a promising one like Ashcraft.
Looking at the trade landscape, it becomes evident that the Brewers would demand more for Williams. Deals this past trade deadline saw high returns for rental closers.
For instance, the Marlins snagged a plethora of talent for Tanner Scott, and both the Angels and Athletics received multiple top prospects in trades for their bullpen stalwarts. Ashcraft, though ranked as the Pirates’ No. 4 prospect and No. 85 overall, stands alone in Miller’s proposed deal.
That’s a steep drop in value considering Williams’ impact and potential to alter the trajectory of a contending team.
In summary, any realistic trade scenario involving Devin Williams needs to respect his value and consider the impact on both his current team and potential suitors.
While trade rumors are a staple of the offseason, they need to align with the realities of baseball economics and team strategy. For now, Brewers fans will keep a keen eye on the developments, hoping their star closer remains a part of Milwaukee’s plans.
