Building a Brewers-Dodgers Devin Williams trade that would make sense for both sides

The talk of the Milwaukee Brewers offseason is likely to center around what Milwaukee is going to do with their closer Devin Williams. Expectations are that the 30 year old right-hander will be available on the trade market ahead of his final season of team control.

Brewers GM Matt Arnold said after the season that the team would "never close the door on anything" with Williams and that their small market status will play a factor, strongly hinting that Williams is likely to be traded.

So now the question doesn't appear to be if, it's a matter of when and where. Where could the Brewers trade Devin Williams? One potential landing spot may stick in the throats of Brewers fans, but it is the Los Angeles Dodgers. They have the ability to fit Williams' contract into their payroll with ease and it would give them a good chance to sign him to a long-term deal before he reaches free agency.

The Dodgers are a successful organization not only because of their ability to run a high payroll, but because they also have great organizational depth and are almost always teeming with talent that just needs a path to playing time. Look at Bryan Hudson for example. The Dodgers DFAed him last offseason because they had no room for him and the Brewers picked him up and he was a workhorse all season.

Hypothetical Brewers-Dodgers Devin Williams trade proposal

In a similar vein to the Corbin Burnes trade, the Brewers receive a young pitcher and young position player that are either MLB ready or close to it. Here, it's Landon Knack and Alex Freeland.

Knack made his MLB debut this season, appearing in 15 regular season games with a 3.65 ERA. The 27 year old righty is currently in a bullpen role with the Dodgers but is a starting pitcher by trade, making 12 starts of his 15 appearances this year. The Brewers are losing Frankie Montas, Wade Miley, and Joe Ross from their rotation mix this offseason and could look to add another inexpensive starting pitcher to make up the depth. Knack would be expendable from the Dodgers roster and could get more regular opportunities in Milwaukee.

Alex Freeland is the second piece included here. The Brewers will need to backfill their infield since Willy Adames is going to leave in free agency this winter. It's their biggest need this winter and if they're going to cash in their biggest trade chip in Williams, they'll likely be looking to fill their biggest need in doing so. Freeland just reached Triple-A this year and is currently ranked as the Dodgers #3 prospect on MLB Pipeline.

Freeland could push for a big league job in spring training, again similar to the Burnes trade where Joey Ortiz wasn't guaranteed a spot but earned one in camp. Freeland can play shortstop, where he could compete with Ortiz and Turang, but also could lock down third base or second with a plus throwing arm and great speed. Freeland slugged 18 homers and stole 31 bases across three levels in the minors in 2024.

For one year of Devin Williams, this is a good deal for both sides. The Brewers get additional starting pitching depth with lots of team control and another young, high upside infielder that could step in early in 2025. The Dodgers get to add the best closer in the game to their bullpen and an inside track to signing him to a long-term deal ahead of Williams' free agency.