The Milwaukee Brewers declined Devin Williams’ $10.5 million club option for 2025 and instead gave the All-Star closer a $250,000 buyout, multiple sources reported Sunday.
Williams, who had signed a one-year, $7.25 million deal with Milwukee before the 2024 season, will remain with the team as he enters his final year of arbitration.
ESPN reported that Williams, 30, is expected to earn $8 million to $9 million next season unless he and the team agree to a new deal before an arbitration hearing.
Potentially saving up to $2 million on Williams’ salary for next season could also make it easier for the Brewers to trade the two-time National League Reliever of the Year.
An injury and a critical blown save bookended an otherwise strong season for Williams in 2024.
He began the season on the injured list with a stress fracture in his back and did not pitch in the majors until July 28. Once healthy, Williams posted a 1.25 ERA in 22 relief appearances to help Milwaukee win its second straight NL Central title.
Williams secured the save in Game 2 of the Brewers’ wild-card series against the visiting New York Mets but imploded in the decisive Game 3 the next night. He entered in the ninth with a 2-0 lead before surrendering four runs, including Pete Alonso’s go-ahead three-run homer, as New York rallied to win 4-2.
A two-time All-Star, Williams is 27-10 with a 1.83 ERA in 241 relief outings over six major league seasons, all with Milwaukee.