Following a tough playoff loss to the Mets, the Milwaukee Brewers are navigating another challenge: the potential trading away of their star closer, Devin Williams. Despite a playoff performance marred by whispers of pitch tipping, Williams remains one of the elite closers in baseball.

The thought of losing him, especially when paired with the potential departure of Willy Adames, is a daunting prospect for Brewers fans. However, this situation fits a familiar pattern for Milwaukee.

The team often looks to trade players who become costly in arbitration or resist contract extensions, simultaneously cutting costs and strengthening their farm system.

We saw a similar scenario last offseason with the departure of Corbin Burnes to the Orioles amid a strained relationship.

Rumors were swirling that Williams’ exit was imminent, but General Manager Matt Arnold has provided a flicker of hope. Arnold hasn’t ruled out a trade but suggested Williams might remain in Milwaukee, at least as the 2025 season begins.

At the GM meetings, Arnold remarked, “I would say right now we’re focused on him being a Brewer because he’s really good and really talented. We consider him to be the best closer in baseball; he certainly makes our big league team better and that’s where we’re focused right now.”

This statement marks a shift from Arnold’s post-season comments, where trading Williams seemed more likely. It appears the urgency isn’t as pressing if the Brewers don’t immediately need to offload Williams’ salary.

Keeping Williams bolsters their bullpen—and let’s face it, having a shutdown closer like him is a pretty solid Plan A.

Milwaukee can, theoretically, hold onto him for now and consider trading him closer to the deadline when contenders might be desperate for relief help.

That said, baseball is a game where plans can pivot with a single phone call.

Should a prospect-laden offer come in from one of the bullpen-starved teams eyeing a postseason run, the dynamics could swiftly change.

For now, though, the Brewers and their fans can savor the idea that Devin Williams might just be shutting the door on opponents in Milwaukee for a little while longer.