On Friday afternoon, the New York Yankees and Milwaukee Brewers reportedly finalized a trade sending Brewers’ All-Star closer Devin Williams to New York, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan.
The deal came as a surprise, as the Brewers’ front office had recently shut down trade rumors surrounding Williams. Initially, Milwaukee was expected to retain Williams until the 2025 MLB trade deadline, but they ultimately opted to move him now.
This trade raises questions about the St. Louis Cardinals’ closer situation with Ryan Helsley, as both Williams and Helsley are standout closers on expiring contracts with teams not expected to contend for a championship in 2024.
While both situations mirror each other, the comparison has limits. Milwaukee’s financial constraints differ from those of St. Louis, and the likelihood of Milwaukee re-signing Williams is much lower than the Cardinals’ chances of keeping Helsley.
Helsley is projected to command an $81 million deal in free agency next year, per Spotrac, and the Cardinals may choose to retain him if they believe they can lock him up.
Although the Brewers are still in a competitive state—despite losing Willy Adames—they acquired a major league-ready starting pitcher and infielder in the Williams trade rather than a prospect package.
Milwaukee could look to retool if they fall out of contention by the 2024 trade deadline, but this deal doesn’t signal a complete rebuild just yet.
While the situations of Williams and Helsley share some similarities, the circumstances are distinct enough that the Williams trade likely won’t prompt the Cardinals to move Helsley too soon.
The Cardinals will likely keep evaluating their options with Helsley as the season progresses, but the Brewers’ deal shouldn’t pressure St. Louis into action.
