MLB Trade Rumors: Proposed Trade Has Devin Williams Going To Shocking Team

Kerry Miller of Bleacher Report has proposed a surprising mock trade that would send Milwaukee Brewers closer Devin Williams to the Pittsburgh Pirates—which would be an eye-opening move between two NL Central rivals. 

Williams, one of MLB's top relievers, has a career 1.83 ERA and 14.9 K/9 rate, and despite missing time in 2024 due to a back injury, he posted a 1.25 ERA. 

With only one year of team control left, the Brewers could be looking to maximize his trade value this offseason, even if it means dealing him within the division. As Miller explains, “The Brewers would be leaving some serious value on the table if they let [Williams] walk” without securing a meaningful return.

90 Seconds of Devin Williams getting Whiffs & Called Strikes on Changeups of over 3,000 RPMs. pic.twitter.com/yam1r96Ydu

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) February 7, 2023

The proposed deal would see the Pirates sending top pitching prospect Braxton Ashcraft to Milwaukee. Ranked No. 85 by MLB Pipeline, Ashcraft had a strong 2024 season across Double-A and Triple-A, posting a 2.84 ERA and projecting as a future rotation piece. 

Pittsburgh’s bullpen, which ranked 27th in ERA last season and blew the second-most ninth-inning leads, is in desperate need of an elite closer. 

Miller notes that “Pittsburgh figures to be highly motivated to acquire one of the best closers in the game today—even if it is just for one season,” emphasizing the Pirates' commitment to contending in 2025.

Devin Williams shuts it down in the 9th!#ThisIsMyCrew 8#Braves 5 pic.twitter.com/fguVtlOtlt

— FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin (@FanDuelSN_WI) August 8, 2024

While Ashcraft is a promising prospect, some believe Milwaukee might push for more in return, given Williams' elite status. 

The Brewers have previously leveraged their stars for larger hauls, as seen with last year's Corbin Burnes trade. 

For now though, this is all purely hypothetical.

Photo Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images