The Los Angeles Dodgers were actively involved in trade discussions for Milwaukee Brewers star closer Devin Williams, which could have bolstered their bullpen.

However, despite including infielder Gavin Lux in trade talks, the Dodgers could not land Williams, who was ultimately dealt to the New York Yankees.

This outcome highlights the Dodgers’ challenges in addressing their bullpen needs and sheds light on the Brewers’ calculated decision-making process.

Gavin Lux, once the Dodgers’ top prospect and now a versatile infielder, was reportedly included in the trade framework for Devin Williams. Lux, who missed the entire 2023 season due to injury, was positioned as the potential starting second baseman for the Brewers. With Willy Adames signing with the Giants and Brice Turang moving to shortstop, Milwaukee was focused on acquiring a capable middle infielder to round out their roster.

Including Lux, who is also a Wisconsin native, made sense for both sides. For the Brewers, he represented a proven player with upside, capable of immediately stepping into their infield mix. For the Dodgers, moving Lux was a way to secure one of baseball’s elite closers without parting with younger, high-ceiling prospects.

However, Milwaukee ultimately opted for a deal with the Yankees centered around utilityman Caleb Durbin and starting pitcher Nestor Cortes.

The Brewers valued Durbin’s cost-controlled years and his ability to seamlessly slide into their infield, a decision that also allowed them to avoid facing Williams in high-stakes postseason matchups.

The Brewers’ choice to deal Williams to the Yankees rather than the Dodgers seems rooted in strategic thinking. Milwaukee, aiming to remain competitive in the National League, likely wanted to avoid strengthening a direct playoff rival like the Dodgers.

By trading Williams to an American League team, the Brewers reduce the chances of facing their former closer in critical postseason games.

This approach aligns with a broader trend among contending teams: trading impact players outside their league to minimize future conflicts. Milwaukee made a calculated move to maintain its competitive edge while still addressing roster needs.

The Dodgers’ willingness to include Lux in trade talks indicates they view him as a valuable but expendable piece in the exemplary scenario. Despite his absence in 2023 due to injury, Lux has shown flashes of being an everyday player with the bat and glove.

Still, his role has become less defined, with Mookie Betts taking over as the team’s starting shortstop and the emergence of younger infield prospects.

Moving Lux would have left the Dodgers without a clear second base option, especially with Max Muncy expected to remain third. While the organization remains high on Lux, it would consider parting with him if the return is impactful enough.

The Dodgers’ bullpen remains a focus this offseason, and missing out on Williams means they will need to pivot to other options.

Free agents like Tanner Scott or trade targets from other teams could be in play as Los Angeles continues to retool for another championship run.

For the Brewers, trading Williams signals a delicate balancing act: staying competitive while reshaping their roster for the future. Sending Williams to the Yankees ensures they address their infield needs while avoiding direct postseason implications.

The Brewers’ decision to trade Devin Williams to the Yankees rather than the Dodgers underscores the complexities of modern baseball trades.

While Gavin Lux would have been a substantial addition to Milwaukee’s infield, the Brewers’ preference to send Williams to the AL makes strategic sense.

For the Dodgers, missing out on Williams highlights the challenges of balancing win-now moves with long-term roster construction. As the offseason unfolds, both teams must see how these decisions impact their 2025 aspirations.