Brewers' Devin Williams: Option declined, still with Milwaukee
Rotowire
The Brewers declined Williams' $10 million club option for 2025 on Sunday, though he remains in the organization and is entering his final year of arbitration eligibility, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.
The right-hander is estimated to make a bit less through the arbitration process, so Milwaukee will pay the $250,000 buyout while targeting a slightly lower salary. Williams didn't debut in 2024 until late July due to a back injury -- which is why his estimated salary for 2025 should be under $10 million -- but he was again one of the best closers in baseball once healthy with a 1.25 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and 38:11 K:BB across 21.2 innings. He's a candidate to be moved during the offseason, as Brewers GM Matt Arnold said the organization will "stay open-minded" regarding a potential trade, per Adam McCalvy of MLB.com.
Williams earned the save in Thursday's 5-2 win over Pittsburgh, allowing one hit while striking out one in a scoreless ninth inning.
Williams worked around a Nick Gonzales one-out double to secure his 14th save this season. The 30-year-old Williams has held opponents scoreless in his last 12 appearances (12 innings) while securing nine consecutive saves -- he's allowed just four hits while striking out 22 in that span. Overall, Willliams' ERA is down to 1.31 on the year with a 0.97 WHIP and 38:10 K:BB across 20.2 innings.
Williams struck out two and issued a walk in a scoreless ninth inning to earn the save Sunday against the Diamondbacks.
The right-hander issued a seven-pitch walk to open the frame but retired the next three batters on 14 pitches to close out the one-run victory. It was Williams' first save opportunity since Sept. 13 as Milwaukee has skidded a bit since clinching the NL Central, but he's now converted eight straight save chances and has a 21:5 K:BB without giving up a run in his past 11 outings.
Williams struck out one in a perfect inning to earn the save in Friday's 2-1 win over the Diamondbacks.
Williams collected his third save in four days by retiring the side on 14 pitches in the ninth inning. He's avoided a prolonged slump after a blown save Aug. 21 versus the Cardinals, following it up with a nine-inning scoreless streak that has seen him earn seven saves with a 16:4 K:BB. Williams is now at a 1.53 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and 32:9 K:BB with 12 saves in 13 chances over 17.2 innings this season.
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Brewers' Devin Williams: Fans two for 11th save
Rotowire
Williams picked up the save over the Giants on Thursday, allowing two hits over a scoreless ninth inning while striking out two.
Williams struck out Matt Chapman on three straight pitches after taking the mound in the bottom of the ninth with a three-run lead. However, he would then allow back-to-back hits, including a double to put the game-tying run on base. The right-hander was able to retire the next two batters to record his 11th save of the campaign and his third in the month of September. Williams has also posted multiple strikeouts in six consecutive appearances, posting a 13:3 K:BB over that stretch. He's still yet to allow a run this month.
Williams earned a save against the Giants on Tuesday, allowing a hit and a walk while striking out two during a scoreless ninth inning.
Williams worked around a base hit and a walk in the inning with two strikeouts and a pop out to put the Giants away for his 10th save of the year. He's now working on seven straight scoreless appearances and has struck out 11 of the 20 batters he's faced over his last five outings. For the year, Williams has a 1.72 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and 29:9 K:BB in 15.2 innings.
Williams earned a save against the Rockies on Saturday, striking out all three batters he faced in the ninth inning.
Williams dominated the Rockies on Saturday, making it the fourth time this season he's recorded all three outs in the ninth via strikeout. Williams has already racked up nine saves in 10 opportunities since making his season debut July 28. The 29-year-old has been particularly impressive of late, as he hasn't given up a hit in any of his last six appearances and carries a 1.84 ERA for the year.
