"Before joining the New York Yankees last season, Williams was one of the best high-leverage relievers in baseball. Becoming a regular in 2020 with the Milwaukee Brewers, Williams posted an ERA of below two in four of the five seasons. In those five seasons, Williams had a 1.70 ERA and 2.24 FIP in 222 innings pitched, with a 40.8 K% and 12 BB%."
"When Josh Hader was traded to the San Diego Padres before the 2022 trade deadline, Williams became their full-time closer and accumulated 66 saves in 73 attempts, including a career-high 36 saves in 2023, the only season in which he was their full-time closer. Williams missed a large chunk of the 2024 season due to injury, but when healthy, he pitched to a tune of a 1.25 ERA and 2.06 FIP in 21.2 innings pitched, with a 43.2 K% and 12.5 BB%."
"And then the Yankees came knocking, as they sent Nestor Cortes, Caleb Durbin, and cash to the Brewers for Williams' services. The 31-year-old didn't have a great first and potentially only season with the Yankees. In 62 innings pitched, Williams had a 4.79 ERA and 2.68 FIP, with a 34.7 K% and 9.7 BB%. His BB% was a career-best, but his K% dropped to a career-worst."
"On Apr. 27, Alejandro Kirk hit a two-run triple off Williams in a 4-2 loss to the American League pennant winners, with Williams losing his closer job. He'd eventually return to form and take back the role, but he blew four of 22 save opportunities. For context, he only blew four saves in 40 opportunities in 2023. More encouraging for Williams was his September. After giving up four earned runs in a game against the Houston Astros on Sep. 3, Williams pitched nine consecutive games without giving up a run to end his season strong."
Devin Williams is a 31-year-old right-handed reliever with sustained elite high-leverage performance and strikeout ability. From 2020–2024 he posted a 1.70 ERA and 2.24 FIP across 222 innings, with a 40.8% K% and 12% BB%. He became the Brewers' full-time closer after Josh Hader's trade and converted 66 saves in 73 attempts, including 36 in 2023. Injuries limited him in 2024, but he posted a 1.25 ERA in 21.2 innings when healthy. Traded to the Yankees, he struggled in 2025 with a 4.79 ERA over 62 innings but finished September strong and carried that into the postseason.
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