Analyzing the highs and lows of Devin Williams career after Yankees blockbuster
Welcome to The Bronx, Devin Williams.The Yankees landed the 30-year-old right-handed reliever and two-time All-Star from the Brewers on Friday, sending lefty pitcher Nestor Cortes, minor league second baseman Caleb Durbin and cash to Milwaukee.To get a little more acquainted with Williams, here’s a look back at the highs and lows of the Bombers’ newest bullpen arm.A second-round pick in the 2013 amateur draft, Williams had committed to the University of Missouri but instead decided to forego college ball for the pro ranks.That decision netted the 18-year-old a $1.35 million signing bonus.Williams pitched in the Arizona League and the Pioneer League in 2013 and 2014, respectively, before reaching the Single-A level in 2015.
He pitched as both a starter and reliever as he worked his way up through the Brewers’ farm system.Williams made his professional debut on Aug.7, 2019 as a 24-year-old against the Pirates, tossing 1 2/3 innings and striking out three one while surrendering three hits and two runs, none of which were earned.During the COVID-shortened 2020, Williams posted a staggering 0.33 ERA — the lowest mark in a single season with at least 21 innings pitched since at least 1913. Across 22 appearances, the reliever struck out half the batters he faced and surrendered just 18 hits in 27 innings.With his Rookie of the Year honors, Williams became the first relief pitcher to take home the award since Craig Kimbrel (Braves) in 2011. He also nabbed the first of his two Trevor Hoffman Awards as the top NL reliever of the year.It was quite the head-scratcher in 2022: in the middle of a pennant race, while leading the NL Central by three games, the Brewers dealt away four-time All-Star, Josh Hader.The blockbuster deal was a disaster for everyone involved — Sans Williams that is. In his age 27 season, the reliever assumed closing duties and never looked back.
He won his second Trevor Hoffman Award in 2023 with a career-high 36 saves, and Milwaukee and th...