Cincinnati Reds Target Former All-Star in Free Agent Push

The Cincinnati Reds look like they’re finally ready to tackle one of their biggest headaches from the 2025 season — the bullpen. Multiple reports say the Reds have shown real interest in free-agent reliever Devin Williams, who starred for the Brewers but just had a rough year with the Yankees.

Nothing’s set in stone yet. Still, this move would show Cincinnati’s getting serious about fixing the back end of their pitching staff.

Cincinnati’s Bullpen Needs an Overhaul

The Reds’ bullpen just kept getting exposed in 2025. Relief pitching is clearly their top offseason priority now.

Team President of Baseball Operations Nick Krall has openly said they’re looking at “a lot of different guys” for late-inning roles. He won’t talk specifics about Williams, but it’s obvious: the Reds know they can’t compete in 2026 without a better relief corps.

The Devin Williams Factor

Williams, 31, is a really intriguing target. He made a name for himself with the Brewers, baffling hitters with a nasty changeup and a sharp fastball.

In six seasons with Milwaukee, Williams racked up a 1.83 ERA and 68 saves. He was, honestly, one of the most dominant relievers in the league.

But his time with the Yankees in 2025 went sideways. Williams put up a career-worst 4.79 ERA in 67 games and just couldn’t find that Milwaukee magic.

Now people are wondering: is his best behind him, or does he just need a new environment to bounce back?

Why the Reds Are Interested

Cincinnati probably sees a lot of upside here. They’ve struggled with late-inning meltdowns for years, and a reliever like Williams could change everything—if he finds his form again.

Looking at the numbers, Williams’ bad 2025 might not tell the whole story. His strikeout rate stayed high, and some scouts think his struggles in New York had more to do with mechanical hiccups and the stress of pitching under the bright lights.

Risk vs. Reward

There’s definitely risk in signing Williams. The Reds would have to decide if they’re willing to spend big on someone coming off a tough season.

Historically, they don’t love shelling out for relievers, so it’s anyone’s guess if they’ll match his price.

If they pull it off, though, the reward could be huge. Williams shutting down hitters late in games could flip the bullpen from a weakness into a real asset, especially if they add a couple more steady arms.

Possible Offseason Strategy

The front office seems to be looking everywhere for bullpen help. Even if Williams doesn’t sign, the Reds will probably chase a few relievers to build depth and flexibility.

The Bigger Picture

This team’s been rebuilding forever, so a bold bullpen move might finally mean a change in direction. The Reds have a good young core and some promising starters, but without a bullpen they can trust, the playoffs just aren’t happening.

Williams is both a shot at something big and a bit of a risk. If the Reds trust his Brewers track record more than his Yankees struggles, they could land a closer who can actually finish games. But if they pass, maybe they’ll just spread the money around and go for depth instead of a headline name.

Final Thoughts

The Reds’ pursuit of Devin Williams says a lot about where the franchise wants to go. They’re tired of their bullpen being a weak spot and want to flip the script.

Will they actually land Williams? I’m not sure, but it’s obvious the bullpen needs fixing if they want to get anywhere in 2026.

Fans are definitely paying attention right now. Everyone’s waiting to see if Cincinnati gambles on a proven closer trying to rebound, or if they play it safe and piece together their relief staff some other way.

Honestly, the big question this offseason is how bold they’ll get. Williams is out there, the bullpen’s a mess, and the Reds finally have a shot to send a real message as they try to claw back into postseason talks.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Report: Cincinnati Reds Showing Serious Interest in Signing Former All-Star