1 trade candidate from every NL Central team the Phillies should consider

Devin Williams, RP and Christian Yelich, OF, Milwaukee Brewers

Although we stated earlier that we're looking at one trade candidate from each NL Central team, we'll break the rule here because the Brewers present an enticing scenario for the Phillies.

Recently, MLB insider Ken Rosenthal has suggested that the Brewers could be heading toward a rebuilding mode (subscription required) in the coming years. If that is indeed the case, many high-profile players from their roster could be made available and be on the move. This could present a truly advantageous situation for the Phillies to capitalize on to make themselves legitimate World Series contenders for now and beyond.

By dealing with the Brewers, the Phillies can address all of their main needs in one blockbuster trade by locking in on two candidates. That would be to acquire the services of elite closer Devin Williams and former NL MVP Christian Yelich to fill their holes in the bullpen and outfield, respectively.

Williams has flourished as the Brewers’ closer ever since Josh Hader was dealt away in 2022. In fact, some may even view that he is just as good as Hader, as he has maintained an ERA below 2.00 and a WHIP below 1.01 while twirling a strikeout rate close to 39 percent since Hader’s departure. The former 2020 NL Rookie of the Year and two-time All-Star has definitely put himself on the map in recent years as one of baseball's top closers.

Yelich may not be putting up MVP numbers like he used to, but he's still a solid MLB outfielder who can still surprisingly provide above-average defense and offense for a contender. He has developed into one of the more effective leadoff hitters in the game the past couple of seasons, which would be a welcome addition to the Phillies lineup that has lacked a traditional leadoff hitter for quite some time.

In addition, he had an impressive bounce-back season in 2023 in which he hit .278 with a .370 OBP and .818 OPS, along with 106 runs scored, 34 doubles, 19 home runs, 76 RBI, and 28 stolen bases. He does have a no-trade clause, but seeing the direction in which the Brewers are headed recently, he should jump at the opportunity to be a part of a contender again.

If the Phillies want to pursue the go-big or go-home mentality by going all-in in their pursuit of their first World Series championship since 2008, making the right mega deal with the Brewers could finally make that dream a reality.

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