The Los Angeles Dodgers won the 2024 World Series after spending more than $1 billion on player talent last winter. They're already at it again, signing starting pitcher Blake Snell to a five-year, $182 million deal. Could president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman keep going by landing closer Devin Williams via trade with the Milwaukee Brewers?
Williams would be a huge acquisition for any team based on his recent track record. His 2024 campaign was abbreviated because of injury, but he still posted a 1.25 ERA with a 0.97 WHIP and 38 strikeouts in 21 2/3 innings.
The righty has been one of baseball's best relievers since his 2020 National League Rookie of the Year campaign. Williams' ERA has settled in at 1.70 over his last 222 innings pitched. His efforts have led to two All-Star Game selections and two Reliever of the Year Awards.
Can the Dodgers find a way to get even better by swinging a trade with the Brewers? The Athletic's Jim Bowden talked about what it might take to get a deal done.
"In return for an impact closer like Williams, the Brewers could get shortstop Gavin Lux, who would replace Willy Adames at shortstop and allow Joey Ortiz to play third base," Bowden wrote. "They would also need to get a pitcher back in the deal and perhaps Justin Wrobleski, a 24-year-old lefty who posted a 3.76 ERA in 20 appearances (18 starts) between Double A and Triple A last season, would work for both teams."
Williams is set to become a free agent following the 2025 season and is estimated to earn $8.4 million via arbitration. Spotrac estimates his current market value for a new multi-year contract at five seasons and $70 million.
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