Phillies ranked as top trade spot for Devin Williams but would cost a Daycare member

With the MLB offseason now in full swing, the Philadelphia Phillies already find themselves generating headlines for who they might target in free agency or via trade this winter. After falling short of winning a World Series title in three consecutive postseasons, it's become clear that the Phillies might have to shake up the 40-man roster if they hope to get back on track next season.

There are plenty of Phillies-related rumors circulating across the baseball media landscape at the moment that are worthy of attention. Are the Phillies interested in trading for Chicago White Sox ace Garrett Crochet and parting with a package of top prospects? Or will the team engage in the payroll bloating services of top free agent outfielder Juan Soto? And that's just a sample of what's currently being reported over the last week or so.

Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski and recently promoted general manager Preston Mattingly certainly have a plan of attack this offseason, with members of the media reporting the team becoming major players in trades and free agency, while Dombrowski has spoken about the team already having enough high-priced star players on the roster in 2025. As always, the truth is probably somewhere in the middle.

One thing that is abundantly clear is the very real possibility of losing two key members of the bullpen via free agency this winter. With high-leverage bullpen arms Jeff Hoffman and closer Carlos Estévez now on the open market, the front office will be tasked with either re-signing one or both or moving on to who's available on the free agent or trade market for relief pitchers.

Phillies ranked as top trade spot for Devin Williams but would cost a Daycare member

While All-star closers Tanner Scott and Clay Holmes have already been connected to the Phillies in the last couple of weeks, another candidate has emerged as a trade candidate from a contending team in the NL Central.

The Phillies' need at the back of the bullpen has been at the center of discussions since the start of free agency. As previously reported by ESPN's Jeff Passan, the Milwaukee Brewers recently declined a $10.5 million club option on All-Star closer Devin Williams, with Williams still under team control heading into his final year of arbitration. That makes him a likely trade target this winter.

But will the Phillies be interested in trading for Williams? A recent article from Zachary D. Rymer of Bleacher Report ranks 10 of the most likely trade destinations for the 2020 NL Rookie of the Year. It should come as little surprise that Rymer has the Phillies as the No. 1 landing spot.

"Though Alec Bohm is the more obvious trade chip, [Bryson] Stott also has an uncertain spot in the Phillies' long-term plans," Rymer says. "That wouldn't be the case if he were moved to Milwaukee, where another infielder is needed to account for Willy Adames' likely departure as a free agent."

Coming off an inconsistent season at the plate, Stott still led the Phillies in stolen bases and was nominated for a Gold Glove after a stellar showing at second base this year. While Stott is still a relative bargain as an arbitration-eligible player, the Phillies have been rumored to have a willingness to move one of the trio of Stott, Bohm and Brandon Marsh this winter.

With Brewers shortstop Willy Adames likely to command a large deal as a top-tier free agent, it's possible the Brew Crew could use Williams as trade bait to secure another shortstop this offseason.

Rymer's proposal of a one-for-one deal that sends Williams to Philadelphia and Stott to Milwaukee almost seems too easy, but Williams' recent issues with stress fractures in his back may have lowered the asking price this winter. Rymer thinks Stott is a perfect fit for the Brewers' current needs. With Stott only a few seasons removed from playing shortstop, perhaps the Brewers picture him as a viable successor at the position if Adames signs elsewhere.

"Sure, there are angles from which Stott merely looks like a remixed Brice Turang," Rymer adds. "But as a guy who fields the ball well and steals bases, he'd fit well with a Brewers club that excels at both things."

While Rymer's article is full of early offseason speculation, the more interesting takeaway is what type of value writers and rival executives place upon players like Stott, Bohm and Marsh in trade talks. It's uncertain how much value the Phillies place on the closer role to begin with, but if Stott could land an All-Star caliber closer straight up, would the Phillies subtract a key piece of their infield defense in order to land one? That's not so clear at the moment.

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