A recent mock trade suggests that the Philadelphia Phillies and the Milwaukee Brewers could strike a mutually beneficial deal. The Phillies are in need of bullpen help and are also actively looking to trade All-Star third baseman Alec Bohm. This trade could allow both teams to address their respective needs, with the Phillies potentially strengthening their bullpen while the Brewers benefit from acquiring Bohm.
The Brewers have a top-tier closer in Devin Williams, who remains under team control after they bought him out this offseason. Additionally, Milwaukee is coming to terms with the possibility that star third baseman Willy Adames may leave either this fall or the upcoming winter, which could influence their decisions moving forward.
Phillies could swap Alec Bohm for Devin Williams
Considering all the factors, the situation seems ideal for both teams to make a mutually beneficial trade. Jim Bowden of The Athletic proposed a deal where the Brewers would send Devin Williams and a prospect to the Phillies in exchange for Alec Bohm. This trade could help both teams address their immediate needs, with the Brewers bolstering their infield and the Phillies strengthening their bullpen. (h/t Patrick McAvoy of Milwaukee Brewers on SI)
“The Phillies need an elite, right-handed, high-leverage closer and I think this deal makes a lot of sense for them, especially if they could turn around and sign either Alex Bregman or Willy Adames to replace Bohm at the hot corner,” Bowden said. “I don’t think Phillies prospect Aidan Miller will be ready to play third in the majors until at least 2026 or 2027.
“I also like this trade from the Brewers’ perspective because Bohm would solve third base and replace Adames in their lineup, allowing Ortiz to play shortstop with Brice Turang remaining at second.”
Williams & Bohm would fill both teams’ respective needs
Devin Williams is a two-time National League Reliever of the Year, and despite being limited to just 22 games in 2024, he delivered an impressive performance. The 30-year-old finished the season with a stellar 1.25 ERA, a 0.969 WHIP, 38 strikeouts, and 14 saves. Had he played 61 games and had the same number of save opportunities as in 2023, he was on track to set a career-high with 38 saves.
Alec Bohm earned his first All-Star selection in 2024, thanks to his outstanding performance at the plate. The Nebraska native posted an impressive .280/.332/.448 slash line, with 15 home runs and 97 RBIs last season.
For the Phillies, acquiring Devin Williams would provide them with a top-tier closer, significantly bolstering their bullpen as they aim for a World Series title next season. Meanwhile, the Brewers would gain a promising, up-and-coming talent in Bohm, whose second-half struggles in 2024 could be behind him as he joins a National League contender. Ultimately, Philadelphia would likely come out as the big winner in a deal of this magnitude.
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