The MLB offseason is heating up, and one of the most intriguing storylines involves free-agent reliever Devin Williams. The former Brewers All-Star has caught the attention of multiple teams, including the Red Sox, Reds, Dodgers, and Marlins.
Even after a rough 2024 campaign with the Yankees, Williams still brings some of the league’s most dominant strikeout numbers. Scouts seem split on how he ranks among the available bullpen arms, so his next destination — and contract size — are buzzing topics inside baseball circles.
Devin Williams Draws Widespread Interest
Few relievers in recent memory have matched Williams’ early-career dominance. Over six seasons with the Milwaukee Brewers, he posted a microscopic 1.83 ERA.
He kept his ERA under 2.00 for three straight years from 2022 to 2024. That kind of consistency made him a nightmare for hitters.
Now that he’s on the market, about a dozen teams are reportedly interested. The most notable among them:
- Boston Red Sox
- Cincinnati Reds
- Los Angeles Dodgers
- Miami Marlins
Mixed Results with the Yankees
Williams hit free agency after a rocky stint in New York. The Yankees traded for him ahead of his last arbitration year, but he logged a 4.79 ERA over 62 innings and lost his closer job early on.
His numbers looked rough compared to his Milwaukee days, but the underlying stats told a different story. Williams still managed a stellar 34.7% strikeout rate and a 17% swinging-strike rate, both among the best in MLB.
Some analysts chalk up his high ERA to bad luck, pointing to a .339 BABIP with runners on — much higher than the league average.
The Market Value and Contract Projections
MLB Trade Rumors expects Williams to land a big deal, even after his uneven 2024. They project him at four years, $68 million, which would put him just behind Edwin DÃaz for the richest reliever contracts.
Team Spending Tendencies
The Cincinnati Reds have shown interest but might struggle to meet that price. Historically, they haven’t spent much on their bullpen, so a bidding war seems unlikely from them.
Boston, on the other hand, has shown more willingness to make big bullpen investments. If the Red Sox sign Williams, he’d probably slide into a high-leverage role, maybe setting up Aroldis Chapman late in games.
Where Williams Ranks Among Relievers
Scouts can’t seem to agree on how Williams stacks up against other free-agent relievers, especially Robert Suarez. Some love his track record and elite swing-and-miss stuff, but others worry about his dip in results with the Yankees.
This split could affect whether teams see him as the clear number two arm on the market or just part of a crowded middle tier.
The Role of Analytics in Decision-Making
Modern front offices look at more than just ERA. They dig into advanced stats to gauge underlying performance.
Williams’ high strikeout rate, wicked changeup, and knack for avoiding hard contact all suggest he’s still got it. The real question is whether those strengths can turn back into run prevention like he showed in Milwaukee.
Potential Fits and League Impact
If Williams bounces back, he’ll be a game-changer for any bullpen. Contenders chasing the playoffs know locking down late innings is crucial, and his presence could swing divisional races.
The Red Sox, Dodgers, and Marlins all have reasons to boost their bullpen depth. Meanwhile, a small-market club like Cincinnati might hope to snag him at a bargain if the market cools.
Final Thoughts
Devin Williams’ free agency really feels like a classic high-risk, high-reward situation. His dominant past and those underlying analytics make him a pretty coveted commodity.
But a shaky 2024? That leaves plenty of room for debate. Whether he lands a record-setting deal or just finds a team willing to gamble on a rebound, Williams will be one of the most closely watched bullpen arms this winter.
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