Even though the Philadelphia Phillies haven't made any significant moves so far this offseason, we know it's only a matter of time before the dominoes start falling across the league and the reigning NL East champions jump into the fray.
The Phillies have to make changes this winter, with some glaring holes and lingering issues to be fixed before Opening Day rolls around next March. As always, Phillies president of baseball operation Dave Dombrowski and the front office are trying to upgrade the starting rotation, with rumors of a Garrett Crochet trade being discussed.
The outfield is presently in shambles. Luckily there are plenty of options on the free agent market. Likewise for the bullpen, which currently sports a couple of rather large holes thanks to the departure of free agents Jeff Hoffman and Carlos Estévez.
Phillies missed their chance to trade for top All-Star closer Devin Williams
While there are multiple free agent relievers available who have high-leverage and closing experience, one of the top closers in the game was also rumored to be on the trade market this winter. After the Milwaukee Brewers declined to pick up Devin Williams' $10.5 million 2025 option, he immediately became the top bullpen trade target on the board.
Everyone was tripping over themselves to come up with a trade for their team that could wrestle him away from the Brew Crew, including Phillies fans and media.
Unfortunately, it now sounds like the right-hander Williams is off the trade block, at least for the offseason. According to a report from Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Brewers have taken Williams off the trade market until the All-Star break.
"The Milwaukee Brewers plan to hang onto closer Devin Williams until at least the All-Star break and will re-evaluate whether to keep him or trade him," Nightengale wrote last week.
Williams is a former NL Rookie of the Year and two-time All-Star. The 30-year-old has also won the Trevor Hoffman NL Reliever of the Year Award twice.
After missing the first four months of the season with a back injury, he didn't make his season debut in 2024 until the end of July. He threw just 21 2/3 regular-season innings, posting a 1.25 ERA and a 0.97 WHIP with 14 saves in 15 tries.
Williams is 68-for-78 in save opportunities in his career, with a 1.83 ERA, a 1.02 WHIP and 375 strikeouts in 235 2/3 innings.
He would certainly look good in red pinstripes, but the Phillies can't wait until the trade deadline to secure the services of a top closer like Williams. They will be forced back to the free agent pool to solidify the back end of their bullpen for 2025.