MLB Offseason Rumors: Brewers’ Eagerness to Trade Devin Williams, Phillies Shut Down Harper Buzz, Braves Narrow Manager Search to Lehmann, Flaherty, Lombard.vc

As the Los Angeles Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays prepare to clash in Game 1 of the 2025 World Series on Friday, the other 28 MLB teams are deep into offseason mode. Rumors are swirling around key pieces like Devin Williams, Bryce Harper, and managerial vacancies, with the Brewers, Phillies, and Braves making headlines. From trade motivations to contract clarity and hiring timelines, here’s the latest scoop to fuel your hot stove conversations.

Why the Brewers Were Eager to Trade Devin Williams: Money, Fit, and a Fresh Start

The Milwaukee Brewers didn’t just trade closer Devin Williams to the New York Yankees on December 13, 2024—they were actively shopping him, motivated by a mix of financial prudence, clubhouse dynamics, and long-term planning. In exchange for lefty Nestor Cortes, infield prospect Caleb Durbin, and cash, Milwaukee flipped the 30-year-old All-Star, who was in his final arbitration year (projected $7.7M-$9M salary) before free agency in 2026. The deal netted a controllable starter (Cortes, free agent after 2025) and a versatile prospect in Durbin (second/third base, MLB debut imminent), addressing gaps at third after Willy Adames’ departure.

Financially, Williams’ $10.5M club option for 2025 was declined (with a $250K buyout), avoiding a hefty arbitration hit for a small-market team. But insiders reveal more: Some Brewers officials viewed Williams as “tough” and “downcast,” with one calling his anger-fueled success a poor fit for Milwaukee’s collaborative vibe. His blown save to Pete Alonso in the 2024 Wild Card Game 3 wasn’t the catalyst—it was a symptom. “We liked Durbin’s skill set and scrappiness—plus the six years of control,” a Brewers source told the NY Post’s Jon Heyman. The trade, while bittersweet (Williams’ 39.4% K-rate was elite), aligns with Milwaukee’s blueprint: Trade vets for youth, as seen with Corbin Burnes and Josh Hader. X fans lamented: “Eager to trade Williams? Ouch, but Durbin’s upside is real” (8K likes).

Dave Dombrowski Pours Cold Water on Bryce Harper Trade Speculation: “Couldn’t Be Further from the Truth”

Philadelphia Phillies fans can breathe easy—Bryce Harper isn’t going anywhere. President of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski emphatically shut down trade rumors on October 23, 2025, during an appearance on Foul Territory TV, calling the notion “couldn’t be further from the truth.” The speculation stemmed from Dombrowski’s October 16 press conference, where he questioned if Harper could “rise to the next level again” after a “down” 2025 (.261/.378/.466, 27 HRs, 75 RBIs in 132 games). “I don’t think he’s content with the year that he had. It wasn’t a bad year, but when I think of Bryce Harper, you think elite,” Dombrowski said, sparking wild speculation from Joel Sherman and others about a Yankees trade.

Dombrowski clarified on Foul Territory: “We love him. He’s a very important part of our team. I’ve seen him have better years. I look for him to have better years.” Harper’s agent, Scott Boras, echoed: “Bryce Harper will be a Phillie for the rest of his career.” The Phillies, who extended Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola, view Harper (.844 OPS in 2025) as a bounce-back candidate for 2026. X fans rejoiced: “Harper stays—Dombrowski’s got his back!” (12K likes).

Braves Continue Brian Snitker Replacement Search: Lehmann, Flaherty, and Lombard Lead the Way

The Atlanta Braves are in no rush to name Brian Snitker’s successor, with MLB.com’s Mark Bowman reporting on October 22, 2025, that the search has narrowed to three finalists: Dodgers bench coach Danny Lehmann, Cubs bench coach Ryan Flaherty, and Tigers bench coach George Lombard. Snitker’s voluntary exit after a 75-84 season leaves a void, but Anthopoulos is deliberate, potentially waiting until November due to Lehmann’s Dodgers World Series duties.

Early names like David Ross, Mark DeRosa, and John Gibbons are out, with Bowman confirming “no indication” of their interest. Internal candidates Walt Weiss and Eddie Perez also faded. The trio—Lehmann (40), Flaherty (39), Lombard (50)—signals a youth movement, all first-time managers with playoff bench experience and analytics chops. Lehmann’s Dodgers ties with Anthopoulos (2016-17 advance scout) make him the frontrunner, per Bowman: “The two have remained in contact over the years.” The Dodgers’ World Series run delays interviews, potentially pushing the announcement to November. X speculation: “Lehmann’s the pick—AA’s waiting for the WS to end” (10K likes).

The Braves, post-75-84 flop, seek a fresh voice to mold a roster facing Acuña trade whispers and pitching woes. X fans debate: “Lehmann for the analytics edge, Lombard for the soul” (9K likes).