Brewers GM: We have to be 'open-minded' about potential Williams trade
Milwaukee Brewers general manager Matt Arnold acknowledged his team must explore all options regarding the future of star closer Devin Williams.
"We have to stay open-minded. We're the smallest market in the league, so that's something that's required in this," Arnold said Thursday when asked about Williams heading into his final season of club control in 2025, according to Adam McCalvy of MLB.com.
Milwaukee has a recent history of trading impact players poised to test free agency. All-Star reliever Josh Hader was dealt to the San Diego Padres at the 2022 trade deadline, and ace Corbin Burnes got moved to the Baltimore Orioles last offseason. Both pitchers had around a year left of team control at the time they were moved.
The Brewers own a $10.5-million option on Williams for next season. The 30-year-old has authored a 1.83 ERA with 68 saves and a dazzling 14.3 K/9 over six years with the club.
MLB will produce and distribute local broadcasts for the Brewers next year, which could lead to the team seeing less revenue as its deal with Diamond Sports Group ended.
Milwaukee finished the 2024 campaign in the bottom third of the majors with a $115-million payroll.