Phillies Trade Proposal Sends Fan Favorite Bryson Stott for Shutdown Reliever Devin Williams

As the Philadelphia Phillies prepare for an active offseason, one area of focus is clear: they need to bolster their bullpen. After watching Carlos Estevez and Jeff Hoffman hit the open market as free agents, the Phillies are left with a glaring need for reliable relief pitching. Could president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski pull off a bold move to acquire one of the most dominant closers in Major League Baseball—Devin Williams of the Milwaukee Brewers?

Devin Williams: A High-Impact Closer on the Market

Williams, a two-time Reliever of the Year, has long been one of the most effective bullpen arms in the game. Since 2020, the 29-year-old right-hander has posted an eye-popping 1.70 ERA and 7.6 WAR, ranking only behind Emmanuel Clase among qualified relievers. Though Williams was limited to 21 2/3 innings in 2024 due to an extended stint on the injured list, he returned to form, posting a sparkling 1.25 ERA and 0.97 WHIP with 38 strikeouts in those limited appearances.

The Brewers, however, made a surprising move recently by declining the $10.5 million club option for Williams’ services in 2025. This decision was likely made to save money, not because the team is out on Williams as a player—he’s still under team control and expected to earn $8.4 million in 2025, according to Spotrac. This makes him a potential trade candidate, and the Phillies could be in the market for a pitcher of his caliber to solidify their bullpen for the long haul.

The Phillies’ Bullpen Struggles and Need for Williams

Despite having talent like Estevez and Hoffman in the bullpen, the Phillies’ relief unit was far from reliable in 2024. With a 3.94 ERA—ranking 14th in Major League Baseball—the bullpen struggled to lock down games, particularly in high-leverage situations. Perhaps the most alarming statistic is the team’s 19 blown saves in 56 opportunities, a percentage that undoubtedly cost the Phillies in critical moments throughout the season.

Given the importance of a strong bullpen in any playoff race, adding a closer of Williams’ caliber could be a game-changer for the Phillies. His ability to dominate in pressure situations—coupled with his consistent track record—would immediately upgrade a unit that was prone to inconsistency. Williams could provide the Phillies with a reliable back-end arm, something they desperately need if they hope to contend for a World Series title in 2025.

The Trade Proposal: Bryson Stott for Devin Williams?

One of the most intriguing proposals making the rounds involves a potential trade between the Phillies and Brewers: Philadelphia sending second baseman Bryson Stott to Milwaukee in exchange for Devin Williams.

Stott, who debuted for the Phillies in 2022, has been a solid contributor in the lineup with a .695 OPS across 426 games. While his offensive numbers aren’t jaw-dropping, Stott has proven himself to be a valuable piece of the team, particularly with his stellar defense. The 26-year-old has been a Gold Glove finalist in each of the last two seasons, establishing himself as one of the better defensive second basemen in the game. His ability to hit for average and play elite defense makes him an attractive piece for any team looking to improve their middle infield.

The Brewers, who currently boast one of the best pitching staffs in the league but lack consistent offensive production, could view Stott as an upgrade over their current infield options. Stott would provide Milwaukee with a reliable and versatile option at second base, who can not only anchor the defense but also provide a solid bat at the bottom of the lineup.

Dombrowski’s Mindset: Trading Good Players for Good Players

Dombrowski, known for his aggressive trade moves and willingness to shake things up when needed, has previously hinted that the Phillies are open to exploring any trade opportunities this winter. At his end-of-season press conference, Dombrowski said, “I think we just have to be open-minded to exploring what’s out there for us, talk to some clubs and see what ends up happening. Sometimes you trade good players for good players.”

This comment suggests that Dombrowski is not afraid to move significant pieces if it helps improve the roster, even if it means parting ways with a player like Stott, who has become a fan favorite in Philadelphia for his grit and defensive prowess. The trade would make sense for the Phillies if they feel that their bullpen is the key to a championship window, as acquiring a top-tier closer like Williams could be the missing piece.

What This Trade Could Mean for the Phillies

If the Phillies do indeed make a play for Williams, it would signal their commitment to making the bullpen a priority this offseason. Williams’ dominance in high-leverage situations would give manager Rob Thomson a reliable option to close games, something the team lacked in 2024. Additionally, having Williams under team control at an affordable price for one more season would allow the Phillies to address other areas of need, such as upgrading their starting rotation or adding depth to the offense.

While parting with Stott would be a tough pill to swallow for fans, especially given his potential and defensive value, it might be a necessary move to take the next step toward a championship. The Phillies’ lineup is already strong with stars like Bryce Harper and J.T. Realmuto, and their pitching staff is solid. But without a reliable bullpen, they’ll continue to fall short in critical moments. Adding Williams could push them over the top.

Looking Ahead: Will Dombrowski Make the Move?

With the offseason fast approaching, the Phillies’ front office will have tough decisions to make. Dombrowski has proven to be a shrewd evaluator of talent, and a move for Williams would address one of the team’s biggest weaknesses. However, trading away a talented player like Bryson Stott is never easy, and it could ultimately come down to the team’s ability to balance short-term needs with long-term development.

If the Phillies can pull off a deal for Williams, it would signal their intent to be serious World Series contenders in 2025. Whether or not they can find a way to part with Stott remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—the Phillies’ bullpen needs a boost, and Devin Williams could be the perfect player to provide it.