The Los Angeles Dodgers may have had a notably expensive offseason in Major League Baseball history, but that doesn’t mean they’re finished refining their roster with aspirations for the World Series.
There have been discussions linking the team to potential trades for additional starting pitching depth, a shortstop to relieve Mookie Betts from transitioning to the position, and now, one of the most accomplished closers in MLB.
In his assessment of the “10 best MLB trade chips” for the 2024 season, Zachary Rymer of Bleacher Report suggested the Dodgers as a possible destination for Milwaukee Brewers’ Devin Williams, a two-time All-Star and two-time Reliever of the Year who is presently sidelined due to a back injury.
Rymer noted, “But if we consider the Brewers as having slim postseason chances — which they do, given their 37.3 percent playoff odds — it becomes easier to envision a trade involving Williams.” He further added, “Assuming his recovery progresses smoothly, it’s entirely conceivable that he’ll resume his stellar form from 2023, performing like a two-time All-Star and Rookie of the Year, boasting impressive statistics including a 1.89 ERA and 14.2 strikeouts per nine innings.”
The Los Angeles Dodgers Might See a Trade for Devin Williams As Low Risk, High Reward
Should Williams replicate his performance from the 2023 season upon his return to the mound, he would likely assume the role of the Dodgers’ primary closer—a crucial asset for a team with aspirations of making a deep playoff run. However, Williams’ injury has raised uncertainty about what had previously been regarded as one of the most reliable arms in Major League Baseball.
“It’s anticipated that he will need considerable time to recover from his injury, with the stress fractures in his back likely sidelining him until June,” Rymer noted.
If Williams does regain his health, he would represent a steal for any team, potentially making him a low-risk acquisition for the Dodgers depending on the trade assets required. Williams agreed to a one-year, $7.25 million contract with the Brewers to avoid arbitration for the 2024 season, which includes a $10.5 million club option for 2025 or a $250,000 buyout.
This implies that the Dodgers could retain him for the 2025 season at a favorable price (for context, Josh Hader, a three-time Reliever of the Year, signed a five-year, $95 million deal to become the Houston Astros’ closer during the offseason). Additionally, if Williams struggles to find a role on the team following his return from injury, it would be relatively inexpensive to buy out the remaining year on his contract.
The Milwaukee Brewers Could Be Willing to Trade Devin Williams to the Los Angeles Dodgers
Following the decision to trade former Cy Young Award winner Corbin Burnes to the Baltimore Orioles, the Milwaukee Brewers may adopt a seller’s stance come this season’s trade deadline.
Ken Rosenthal reported for The Athletic, “It remains uncertain whether the Burnes trade will spark further moves for the Brewers, potentially transitioning them into a rebuilding phase in Pat Murphy’s inaugural year as Craig Counsell’s managerial replacement.” Rosenthal also noted, “The team has explored the option of trading closer Devin Williams, who was recognized as the NL’s premier reliever last season.”
Armed with one of the top farm systems in Major League Baseball, the Los Angeles Dodgers possess an abundance of young talent to offer in a hypothetical trade for acquiring Williams.
