Brewers face crucial decision with ace reliever Devin Williams

Following another disappointing exit by the Brewers in the postseason, Milwaukee's front office faces a critical decision ahead of the 2025 season: the future of ace reliever Devin Williams. 

With a club option of $10.5 million for Williams in 2025, the Brewers are at crossroads as to whether to retain him.

Since debuting in 2019, Williams has served as a cornerstone of the bullpen, showcasing elite talent during his six years in the majors. His career numbers include a 1.83 ERA, 68 saves and 375 strikeouts over 235 2/3 innings. He won NL Rookie of the Year Award in 2020, NL Reliever of the Year honors in 2020 and 2023 and made the All-Star team in 2022 and 2023.

Williams missed the first four months of the 2024 season while rehabbing a back injury suffered during spring training. After making his way back this summer, he posted an impressive 1.25 ERA, 14 saves and 38 strikeouts over 22 1/3 innings.

Despite his strong regular season, Williams did not excel in the postseason, casting a shadow over his future with the club. In Game 3 of the best-of-three wild-card round against the New York Mets, Williams gave up four runs, depriving the Brewers of an NLDS appearance. 

In a later news conference, Brewers GM Matt Arnold said of Williams, "One moment shouldn't define who he is... I still believe he's the best closer in baseball, and I'm happy to have him."

Adding to the complexity of the decision is the Brewers' intention to re-sign shortstop Willy Adames. If they retain Adames, Williams could be a goner. 

In February, Milwaukee traded star right-hander Corbin Burnes to the Baltimore Orioles for multiple players, perhaps a blueprint for dealing with Williams.

If the Brewers do ultimately part with Williams, the future of their closer role becomes a pressing concern. Here are potential replacements for him on the team:

Trevor Megill

Leading the team with 21 saves, Megill had the best season of his career in 2024, posting a 2.72 ERA and collecting 50 strikeouts over 46 1/3 innings. In two postseason appearances, Megill had four strikeouts in 2 1/3 innings without allowing a hit or run. His fastball and knuckle curve make it difficult for hitters to adjust.

Abner Uribe

After an impressive 2023 campaign with a 1.76 ERA over 30.2 innings, Uribe faced struggles with his control in 2024, finishing with a 6.91 ERA in 14 1/3 innings. Similar to Megill, Uribe has a strong two-pitch mix that makes him a standout strikeout pitcher. With his season cut short in June due to season-ending knee surgery, Uribe has an uncertain future.

Bryan Hudson

Hudson dazzled during his first year in Milwaukee after being designated for assignment by the Los Angeles Dodgers following their signing of Yoshinobu Yamamoto. In 62 1/3 innings, Hudson posted a 1.73 ERA and a 6-1 record. Although a dip in velocity led to a September demotion to Triple-A, he is expected to rebound in 2025.