Dodgers Have Interest In Devin Williams

"Williams was one of the three to five best relievers in MLB throughout his time with the Brewers. He pitched to a 1.83 earned run average over parts of six seasons in Milwaukee. That included three straight sub-2.00 ERA showings between 2022-24. Among relievers with 100+ innings over that stretch, Williams trailed only Edwin Díaz and Félix Bautista with a 39.5% strikeout rate. The only real concern were the back fractures that cost him the first half of the '24 season."

"Milwaukee traded Williams to the Yankees before his final year of arbitration. He had the worst season of his career in the Bronx. Williams turned in a 4.79 ERA over 62 innings. He started the year poorly enough that he lost the closer role in April. Williams reclaimed it in June when Luke Weaver went on the injured list but scuffled again in July. The Yankees acquired David Bednar at the deadline to push Williams into a setup role for the remainder of the season."

"While it was clearly an uneven season, there's still reason to expect a return to form. Williams fanned an excellent 34.7% of batters faced while getting swinging strikes nearly 17% of the time. Those aren't quite at the same level as his Milwaukee days, but they're still top 15 marks in MLB. His 94.1 MPH average four-seam fastball speed was in line with his career levels. Williams continues to get ridiculous movement on the changeup/screwball that has been his signature pitch throughout his career."

The Dodgers and Marlins have shown interest in Devin Williams as teams seeking a high-leverage right-handed reliever. Williams posted a 1.83 ERA over parts of six seasons with the Brewers, including three straight sub-2.00 ERA years from 2022–24, and ranked third in strikeout rate (39.5%) among relievers with 100+ innings. Back fractures cost him the first half of 2024. Milwaukee traded him to the Yankees, where he recorded a 4.79 ERA over 62 innings, lost the closer role, and moved to setup after the David Bednar trade. Peripheral metrics remain strong (34.7% K rate, ~17% swinging-strike rate, 94.1 MPH four-seam, exceptional changeup/screwball movement), but hitters recorded a .339 average on balls in play with runners on base. The poor season affected the Yankees' willingness to risk a $22.025MM qualifying offer.

Read at MLB Trade Rumors