Milwaukee Brewers Make Shock Roster Move Due to Possible Financial Reasons

A day after surprisingly waiving starting pitcher Colin Rea, the Milwaukee Brewers made another shocking decision in signing closer Devin Williams.

According to Jeff Passan of ESPN on social media:

The Milwaukee Brewers have declined Devin Williams’ $10.5 million club option, a source told ESPN. He will receive a $250,000 buyout. Williams will remain with the Brewers, will be in his final year of arbitration and is expected to make $8-9 million. He is also a trade candidate.

So this appears to be a purely financial decision for the Brewers, who have been marred by television revenue issues this summer. It will be interesting to see how Williams reacts to everything and what happens next.

First, if the Brewers choose to keep Williams, they will save some money on 2025 payroll. But they also run the risk of upsetting Williams, who could be upset by the loss of more than $1 million.

Second, having less money owed to Williams could make it easier for the Brewers to trade him this offseason (which, as Passan noted, is possible). Williams may still be uncomfortable with the financial side of this, but if he goes to a team he is happy with, he may not have a problem.

The 30-year-old player missed time due to injury last season, but still played in 22 matches. He went 1-0 with a 1.25 ERA in 21.2 innings. Williams made 14 saves brewers Won the National League Central.

For life, Williams is 27-10 with a 1.83 ERA. He made the National League All-Star team in 2022 and 2023.

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