There have been some reports that the Philadelphia Phillies may be seeking for another significant piece before the offseason ends. They’ve been linked to high-profile players like Cody Bellinger and Jordan Montgomery during this period of free agency, but it is unlikely that the front office will pay what those two are demanding for if their price doesn’t plummet. Following Craig Kimbrel’s departure, the bullpen has long been viewed as an area of need. Prior to making a trade with the Chicago Cubs to acquire Michael Rucker, the Phillies had frequently lost on some of their reported targets.
This obviously adds to their depth, and the righty is a cost-controlled asset with promise, but no one would describe this as a significant move. What Philadelphia could do, however, is make a trade with the Milwaukee Brewers to get their outstanding closer, Devin Williams. After sending Corbin Burnes to the Baltimore Orioles, the Brewers are reportedly looking to trade some of their other great players for prospects.
“One source said Milwaukee could be open to a trade of closer Devin Williams, who has two years of club control remaining prior to free agency,” according to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com. The Phillies had been linked to a potential blockbuster deal centered on Emmanuel Clase of the Cleveland Guardians, but all of the trade packages floated to complete the transaction made no sense from Philadelphia’s perspective. Williams is significantly closer to free agency than Clase and will likely command a lower asking price.
Milwaukee recently traded their former Cy Young winner for a pitching prospect with MLB experience from the bullpen, a top-10 infield prospect, and the 34th overall draft pick in 2024. Not exactly a steep price to pay. It would be interesting to know what the Brewers expect in exchange for Williams. He was selected to two consecutive All-Star games in 2022 and 2023, with ERAs of 1.93 and 1.53, respectively, in 126 appearances. The 29-year-old would be a significant boost to the Phillies. They should at least investigate the idea of this transaction as they attempt to wrap up their offseason.
