Potential landing spots for Brewers closer Devin Williams

The Milwaukee Brewers declined the $10.5M option for closer Devin Williams for the 2025 season. However, Williams remains with Milwaukee and will be eligible for arbitration for one more year. 

If Williams departs Milwaukee, many teams will be pushing to add the two-time National League Reliever of the Year to their bullpen.

Top Suitors

New York Yankees

The Yankees bullpen had a strong 2024 season, finishing sixth in the majors with a 3.62 ERA. New York's bullpen's performance improved even further in the postseason, where it posted a 2.67 ERA. A major factor in that success was the standout play from Clay Holmes and Tommy Kahnle, both of whom are now free agents. To maintain late-game dominance, the Yankees need to add a strong bullpen arm to keep the relief corps performing at a high level.

With his high strikeout rate and proven success in the regular season, Williams would provide the late-game security the Yankees need to remain World Series contenders. However, one notable concern is his underwhelming postseason performance, which raises questions about his ability to deliver on the game's biggest stage. 

While much of New York's focus is on re-signing outfielder Juan Soto and addressing infield needs, adding a top-tier closer like Williams would be a strategic move to bolster its bullpen.

New York Mets

A subway trip away, the Mets' bullpen situation is currently in flux. With Edwin Diaz still recovering from knee surgery, there are concerns about whether he can return to his elite form. Before his injury, Diaz had a dominant 2022 campaign, earning National League Reliever of the Year honors after posting a 1.31 ERA with 118 strikeouts over 62 innings of work. In contrast, his 2024 season consisted of a 3.52 ERA with just 84 strikeouts over 53.2 innings pitched. 

Given this uncertainty, the Mets could benefit from adding a proven closer to provide stability and ease the pressure on Diaz as he works his way back to his previous form. With the bullpen already lacking depth and further depleted by free agency, the Mets are in need of reinforcements.

The connection between the Mets and Brewers runs deep, with David Stearns — who previously served as the Brewers' president of baseball operations — now overseeing the Mets' front office. During his time in Milwaukee, Stearns was known for making shrewd moves to bolster his bullpen. Williams is exactly the type of arm Stearns would like to reunite with.

Philadelphia Phillies

The Phillies' bullpen had an underwhelming performance during the 2024 season, posting a 3.94 ERA that ranked 14th in the majors. They finished with just 36 saves, placing them 21st in that category. This inconsistency was magnified in the postseason, where the bullpen posted an alarming 11.37 ERA — the highest of any playoff team. Of the 23 runs the Phillies allowed in the postseason, 16 came courtesy of the bullpen.

Closer Jeff Hoffman, who turned in a career-best 2.17 ERA and the second-most saves on the team with 10, was one of the bright spots in the bullpen. Now a free agent, Hoffman leaves the Phillies with a key vacancy to fill: a reliable arm at the back of the bullpen. Williams fits the critical need.

The dark horse: 

Boston Red Sox

The Red Sox face the challenge of replacing free agents Kenley Jansen and Chris Martin, both of whom were integral to the bullpen in 2024. Jansen's departure leaves a void in the closer role, as he provided stability and collected 27 saves, while Martin's absence creates a gap in the middle innings. Adding Williams would bring a young upgrade to the closing role.