Devoted relief man for the Milwaukee Brewers, Devin Williams’s career ERA was 1.83, with more than 40% of his batters striking out when the club declined a $10.5 million option on him for next year. Instead, Brewers manager David Stearns and Co., working within budget to keep payroll as a small-market team should, will try to take Williams through arbitration.
By holding onto more cash through Williams’ recent injury and the lower projected arbitration salary, the team is continuing on this path. His implosion is but the latest example of Brewers’ ability to walk the tightrope between budgetary needs and competitiveness in NL Central when it comes to choices regarding key personnel.
By the Numbers
- Devin Williams has a 1.83 ERA in his 235 2/3 innings of work.
- He sports a 39.4% strikeout rate for his career.
Yes, But
The Brewers’ reason would be financially driven and in pummeling their stars as the case is with Williams, who was the best reliever, year in and year out. When the front office acts within financial constraints, the seemingly haphazard move of theirs brings the team further into the cellar.
Williams is walking into his last arbitration year for a pay of $8.4 million. The Brewers may trade him when they get the perfect moment for his high price while still saving salary room.
What’s ahead
Williams might find himself among a long list of open candidates, which the better market teams might see to be quite essential, giving him an even better chance for an extension beyond the contract he currently has and the brighter futures in terms of finances.
Conclusion
This situation clearly indicates that the Brewers are at a problematic situation while attempting to be competitive within a budget that will have some severe implications on the dynamics and relationship of the team and the players in both short and long run.