Reds, Red Sox Have Expressed 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 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."

The Red Sox, Reds, Dodgers and Marlins are among roughly a dozen teams showing early interest in free agent reliever Devin Williams. Williams posted a 1.83 ERA across parts of six seasons with Milwaukee, including three straight sub-2.00 ERA years from 2022-24, and a 39.5% strikeout rate among relievers with 100+ innings. Back fractures cost him the first half of 2024. A subsequent trade to the Yankees preceded a career-worst 4.79 ERA over 62 innings and the loss of the closer role. Underlying metrics — 34.7% strikeout rate, nearly 17% swinging-strike rate, 94.1 MPH four-seam velocity, and elite changeup/screwball movement — support expectations of a rebound despite a high BABIP with runners on.

Read at MLB Trade Rumors