Devin Williams, the Milwaukee Brewers’ star closer, is at the center of significant trade speculation following the team’s decision to decline his 2025 club option. While the 2024 season ended with the Brewers falling short in the postseason after Williams allowed a game-deciding home run to Pete Alonso, the attention on Williams has shifted from performance concerns to potential trade talks. As Williams approaches free agency, the Brewers’ decision to go the arbitration route rather than lock him down with a multi-year deal has opened the door for other teams to explore a trade for the elite reliever.
Bleacher Report’s Zachary Rymer recently proposed an intriguing trade scenario, suggesting that the 2023 World Series champion Texas Rangers could be a suitor for Williams. The Rangers, who are looking to build on their championship success, would certainly benefit from adding a dominant closer like Williams to their bullpen. However, such a trade would come with significant risks and considerations for both sides.
For Texas, acquiring Williams would immediately upgrade their bullpen and give them a reliable, high-leverage arm capable of locking down late-game situations. Williams has been one of the most consistent and dominant relievers in baseball over the last several seasons, and his electric stuff would complement an already strong Rangers pitching staff. However, Rymer’s hypothetical trade would also involve sending young right-hander Cole Ragans to Milwaukee. This raises a crucial question: How willing would the Rangers be to part with Ragans, a pitcher with immense upside, especially if he continues to develop into the ace he was once projected to be?
On the other hand, trading Williams could present significant challenges for the Brewers. While the potential return might be appealing, particularly if they receive a young, high-upside pitcher like Ragans, they would be parting with a player who has established himself as one of the game’s premier closers. Over the past five years, Williams has consistently posted elite numbers, including a sub-2.00 ERA and a strikeout rate north of 12 strikeouts per 9 innings. In 2024, his 1.88 ERA and 39 saves were among the best in baseball, further cementing his status as one of the top relievers in the league.
What complicates matters further for Milwaukee is the lack of a clear replacement for Williams if they were to trade him. When the Brewers moved Josh Hader to San Diego in 2022, they had Williams waiting in the wings to take over the closer role. If Williams is traded, there are no immediate candidates on the roster who can replicate his dominance in the bullpen. The Brewers would need to find another elite closer or risk weakening their bullpen significantly. Additionally, moving Williams would leave the Brewers without a clear answer for the back end of their bullpen, an essential component for any playoff-contending team.
While trading Williams might be tempting for the Brewers if they can get a strong return, it may ultimately not be the best decision. His value on the mound is too high to sell him off for a potential return that might not immediately contribute at the same level. With a year before he hits free agency, the Brewers could opt to keep Williams and either negotiate a long-term deal or use him as a key piece in their quest for another playoff appearance. Regardless of how the situation plays out, the speculation surrounding Williams’ future will remain a major talking point for the Brewers in the offseason.
