Massive Reds' stumbling block traded away from of NL Central in Brewers-Yankees deal

Cincinnati Reds fans and players alike are likely doing backflips this afternoon. No, the Reds didn't trade for Luis Robert Jr. (yet), but one of the biggest Cincinnati killers in recent memory is no longer part of the NL Central.

Milwaukee Brewers closer Devin Williams was traded to the New York Yankees on Friday in exchange for Nestor Cortes Jr., prospect Caleb Durbin, and cash considerations. Now, everyone throughout Reds Country owes Yankees GM Brian Cashman a Christmas card, thanking him for helping to facilitate Williams' departure.

Reds' nemesis Devin Williams traded away from of NL Central in Brewers-Yankees deal

Williams has been a thorn in the Reds' side since before being named the Brewers' closer. During his 33 appearances against the Reds, Williams struck out 64 batters to the tune of a 1.36 ERA. Williams locked down 17 of his 68 career saves (22%) against Cincinnati. That's an insane statistic.

While this certainly strengthens the Yankees' bullpen, the Brewers' relief corps took a hit. Getting Cortes as part of the return will bolster Milwaukee's starting rotation, but the big get for the Brew Crew is Durbin. the 24-year-old infielder put up good numbers at Triple-A last season and also dominated the Arizona Fall League the past two years.

Seeing as how Willy Adames is now playing out in the Bay Area, Durbin will presumably find a home somewhere on the Brewers' infield. This is another shrewd move on the part of Milwaukee's front office, as the organization constantly finds ways to remain relevant despite losing some of their top talent. They did the same thing with former closer Josh Hader. Milwaukee dealt Hader to the San Diego Padres in 2022 and won the division the next season. We'll have to wait and see if they find similar success in 2025.

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