MLB Rumors: Devin Williams Seen as Trade Candidate as Brewers Decline Contract Option

Milwaukee Brewers closer Devin Williams is considered a trade candidate after the team declined his $10.5 million club option, according to ESPN's Jeff Passan.

Per Passan, Williams will receive a $250,000 buyout and remain with the Brewers. He's expected to make roughly $9 million in his final year of arbitration.

Jon Heyman of the New York Post noted that Milwaukee declined the 30-year-old's club option because he should get a lower salary in arbitration due to injuries that caused him to miss time.

Williams was limited to just 22 appearances during his 2024 campaign, as his season debut was delayed until July 28 due to stress fractures in his back. He was able to maintain a 1.25 ERA while recording 38 strikeouts in 21.2 innings of work, though.

His season didn't end on a high note, as he allowed a three-run homer to Pete Alonso as Milwaukee was eliminated by the New York Mets in the National League Wild Card Series.

Still, Williams has established himself as one of the top closers in the majors when he's been able to stay healthy. He won 2020 NL Rookie of the Year honors with the Brewers and made consecutive All-Star appearances in 2022 and 2023.

Williams owns a 1.83 ERA for his career, racking up 68 saves and 375 strikeouts compared to 112 walks in 241 appearances.

Brewers general manager Matt Arnold didn't rule out a trade when discussing Williams entering his final year of team control.

"We have to stay open-minded," Arnold said, per Adam McCalvy of MLB.com. "We're the smallest market in the league, so that's something that's required in this."

While Milwaukee is coming off a 93-win season, moving Williams for a package of future assets appears to be on the table. Heyman reported on Sunday that the closer will be "highly coveted" as a trade target, but the Brewers can still afford to keep him.

After the team declined his club option, Arnold could start receiving calls from opposing front offices regarding Williams' availability.