MLB Rumors: Brewers Were Reportedly Eager To Trade Devin Williams

October 28, 2025 ,
Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Devin Williams reacts during 2025 game.

The Milwaukee Brewers weren’t just open to moving Devin Williams, they were eager to do so. 

According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the decision went beyond finances. While Williams’ $8.6 million salary was hefty for a small-market reliever entering his final year of club control, personality and clubhouse dynamics also played a role in the team’s motivation to deal him.

More than a financial move

Milwaukee sent Williams to the New York Yankees in exchange for Nestor Cortes and Caleb Durbin, a rookie infielder who quickly became a fan favorite in Wisconsin. 

The trade looked financially prudent on paper, as the Brewers avoided paying closer money to a player they weren’t likely to re-sign, while adding a cost-controlled piece with six years of team control. 

But insiders told Heyman that the Brewers were also happy to part ways with Williams for non-financial reasons. Some within the organization reportedly viewed him as “tough” to manage, describing him as a player who thrived on anger but often appeared “downcast.”

Brewers happy with their return

Meanwhile, Williams’ transition to New York proved rocky. He posted a 4.79 ERA over 62 innings and faced criticism for inconsistency, both on and off the mound. 

The Brewers, in contrast, found success in Durbin, who’s already contributing at third base and could be a fixture in their lineup for years. 

In typical small-market fashion, Milwaukee once again turned a risky trade into a long-term win.

Photo Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

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