The New York Yankees acquired Devin Williams from the Milwaukee Brewers last offseason. He had the worst year of his career and is now a free agent.
Williams was a two-time All-Star and two-time Trevor Hoffman National League Reliever of the Year with the Brewers. Before the season, many thought he would sign one of the largest contracts by a reliever ever. However, with the Yankees, he had a 4.79 ERA in 67 games.
He lost the closer job twice, and now the Yankees have David Bednar. Williams’ time with the Yankees is likely over, and he will be looking for a new team where he can re-establish himself as an elite closer once again. Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer predicted Williams would leave the Yankees to sign with the Detroit Tigers.
“As Williams still struck out 34.7 percent of the batters he faced this year, getting swings and misses was clearly an area where he still excelled,” wrote Rymer. “The Tigers badly need someone like that in their bullpen, which finished last in the American League in strikeout rate this year.”
The Tigers have made the postseason in back-to-back seasons, but have lost in Game 5 of the American League Division Series both times. The team may only have one more year with Tarik Skubal, and they would be wise to surround him with an elite roster.
Perhaps playing outside of the lights in the Bronx will help get Williams back on track. He was once a dominant arm out of the bullpen, and if he can recapture some form of that, the Tigers could be even better next year.
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