Phillies Explore Trade for Brewers’ Elite Closer Devin Williams, Could Move Bryson Stott to Make It Happen
The Philadelphia Phillies are actively seeking a new closer and have their sights set on one of the best arms in baseball: Milwaukee Brewers’ standout Devin Williams. With the Brewers recently declining Williams’ club option, it’s clear they are open to moving the 30-year-old closer, and the Phillies could be a prime landing spot.
In a recent analysis by Zachary D. Rymer of Bleacher Report, the Phillies were listed as one of the most logical trade partners for Williams. Rymer proposed a deal that would see Philadelphia send second baseman Bryson Stott to Milwaukee in exchange for the elite closer.
“Philadelphia has an abundance of trade chips, and while their farm system is ranked 17th, an intriguing possibility involves moving one of their more expendable lineup pieces,” Rymer noted. “Stott, a solid defender with good speed, could fit well in Milwaukee, where those qualities are highly valued.”
Stott, who posted a .245/.315/.356 slash line in 2024, regressed from his breakout 2023 season. While his struggles at the plate have raised questions about his future in Philadelphia, his defense and base-running ability remain solid. The Phillies would likely be willing to move Stott, especially if it means bolstering their bullpen with Williams, whose track record of dominance is hard to ignore.
Williams has been one of the most reliable closers in the league since his breakout in the 2020 season. Last year, the Brewers were 18-4 in games Williams appeared in, with only one of those losses coming on his watch. His ability to strike out batters at an elite rate and lock down games in high-pressure situations makes him one of the most coveted closers in baseball.
While trading away a promising young player like Stott would be a tough pill to swallow, the potential upgrade in the bullpen could be worth the cost. The Phillies are in win-now mode, and securing a proven closer like Williams could help propel them back into contention for a World Series title.
As the offseason unfolds, expect the Phillies to weigh their options carefully as they look to shore up their bullpen and continue their championship chase.