Reds Rumors: Brewers trade buzz suggests NL Central will be heated battle

Every team in the National League Central Division has flaws, yes, even the Cincinnati Reds. But no team has had a more confusing offseason than the Milwaukee Brewers.

The Brew Crew got off to a rough start after non-tendering Brandon Woodruff following the news he'd miss the entire 2024 season due to shoulder surgery. The Brewers then inked Rhys Hoskins to a two-year deal, only to turn around and trade Corbin Burnes. What is going on in Milwaukee?

The latest rumblings from the Cream City suggest that the Brewers, to borrow a line from Joey Votto's Instagram page, will not go gentle into that good night. According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Brewers have no intention of trading closer Devin Williams or shortstop Willy Adames at this time.

Reds Rumors: Brewers trade buzz suggests NL Central will be heated battle

The NL Central is going to be a grind this year. While Reds fans have high hopes for their team after watching the 2023 squad win 82 games, other teams in the division have made improvements as well.

The St. Louis Cardinals added Sonny Gray to anchor their rotation along with Kyle Gibson and Lance Lynn. The Chicago Cubs inked Japanese pitcher Shōta Imanaga and traded for third baseman Michael Busch. And even the Pittsburgh Pirates added catcher Yasmani Grandal and closer Aroldis Chapman to an underrated roster.

There's still a very good chance that both Adames and Williams are jettisoned before this year's trade deadline. Adames will be a free agent after the upcoming season, and while Williams is under team control through 2025, there will be high demand for a closer with the type of stuff that he possesses. The Brewers could get quite the haul for their right-handed reliever.

So while the Brewers remain committed to their two star players, for now, don't be surprised if the trade rumors surrounding both Adames and Williams begin to increase if the Brewers don't get off the blocks in April.

The Cincinnati Reds will be looking to crash the Milwaukee Brewers' party in 2024 and win the NL Central Division for the first time since 2012. Since the Reds last took the division, the Cardinals have won the NL Central five times, while both the Brewers and Cubs have won three division crowns. It's time for the Reds to shake things up, and they'll look to do so when the 2024 campaign gets underway.