Analyzing the ups and downs of Devin Williams’ career

Analyzing the ups and downs of Devin Williams’ career

Welcome to the Bronx, Devin Williams.

The Yankees acquired the 30-year-old right-hander 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 to know Williams a little better, here’s a look back at the ups and downs of the Bombers’ newest bullpen arm.

The heights

Righty gets paid

A second-round pick in the 2013 amateur draft, Williams had committed to the University of Missouri, but instead decided to forego college ball and enter the professional ranks instead.

This decision earned the 18-year-old a $1.35 million signing bonus.

Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Devin Williams (38) reacts after making a save in the ninth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at American Family Field during a game in September 2024. Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

Williams played in the Arizona League and Pioneer League in 2013 and 2014 before reaching the Single-A level in 2015.

He served as both a starter and backup while working his way up through the Brewers’ farm system.

The show beckons

Williams made his professional debut on August 7, 2019 as a 24-year-old against the Pirates. He pitched 1 2/3 innings and struck out three ones while giving up three hits and two runs, none of which were earned.

Devin Williams of the Milwaukee Brewers throws during the ninth inning of Game 3 in a National League Wild Card game against the New York Mets on Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024, in Milwaukee. AP

“Rookie of the Year” campaign.

During the COVID-shortened 2020, Williams posted an astonishing 0.33 ERA — the lowest mark in a single season with at least 21 innings pitched since at least 1913.

In 22 appearances, the reliever struck out half of the batters he faced and allowed just 18 hits in 27 innings.

Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Devin Williams (38) celebrates with catcher William Contreras (24) after defeating the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park in September 2024. Stan Szeto-Imagn Images

With the Rookie of the Year award, Williams became the first relief pitcher to take home the award since Craig Kimbrel (Braves) in 2011.

He also won the first of his two Trevor Hoffman Awards as the best NL reliever of the year.

The new closer in town

It was quite a head-scratcher in 2022: In the middle of a pennant race, while leading the NL Central by three games, the Brewers beat four-time All-Star Josh Hader.

The blockbuster deal was a disaster for everyone involved – that is, without Williams.

In his age 27 season, the reserve took over the closing duties and never looked back.

He won his second Trevor Hoffman Award in 2023 with a career-high 36 saves, and Milwaukee and the reliever agreed to a one-year, $7.25 million contract – by far the most lucrative of his career – avoiding arbitration in 2024 to escape.

Williams runs down the field in the ninth inning during Game 2 of the Wild Card Series at American Family Field against the New York Mets. Getty Images

Hey, you’re an all-star

Not surprisingly, Williams was a two-time All-Star (2022 and 2023).

In those two years, Williams threw 119 1/3 innings and allowed just 23 earned runs.

During that time, he amassed 183 strikeouts and an outstanding 1.73 ERA.

New York Mets designated hitter Jesse Winker (R) celebrates next to Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Devin Williams (L) after striking out in the ninth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers during Game 3 of the Wild Card Series at American Family Field, April 3. October 2024 scored a run in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. JASON SZENES/NEW YORK POST

The lows

Ouch!

After the Brewers won the NL Central in September 2021, Williams celebrated a little too hard, hit a wall and broke his pitching hand.

Shortly thereafter, Milwaukee announced that their top player would be out for the remainder of the season.

Without Williams – who had posted a 2.50 ERA in 58 regular season appearances – the Brewers fell to the Braves in the NLDS.

Polar bear party

It was such a monumental home run that even Howie Rose, the Mets’ announcer, received a standing ovation.

Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Devin Williams reacts after giving up a three-run home run to Pete Alonso of the New York Mets in the ninth inning of Game 3 of the National League Wild Card Game. AP

With his Mets on the brink of extinction – down 2-0 to the Brewers in the ninth inning of Game 3 of the win-or-go-home NL Wild Card Series in October – Pete Alonso took the borough on his hands and delivered his win in a signature Mets moment.

His line-drive home run over the right field wall against Williams helped New York beat Milwaukee 4-2 and earn New York an NLDS date with the Phillies.

New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso celebrates his home run against the Milwaukee Brewers. JASON SZENES/NEW YORK POST

Williams’ final stats from that fateful evening: 2/3 innings, three hits and four earned runs.

In 21 2/3 innings during the regular season in 2024, he had given up just one home run and three earned runs.

(Potential) Pitch tipper

Shortly after Alonso shut out the Brewers, it became apparent that Williams may have made a mistake on the mound.

Jomboy Media published a breakdown of Williams’ performance that highlighted a slight difference in the way the reliever held his glove before changeups compared to fastballs.

This issue may have tipped the scales in the Mets’ favor.

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