The Cincinnati Reds finished the season with an 83-79 record. Securing the last spot in the National League playoff race. However, they would be swept in two games by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the Wild Card round.

Heading into the offseason, the Reds have a plethora of different avenues they could choose to follow. With eight potential free agents set to hit the market, they can choose whether or not to bring those players back or let them find another home on the market.

The Cincinnati Reds are in a prime position to spend this offseason. With a lot of belief under manager Terry Francona and a young core, there should be no reason why the Cincinnati Reds aren’t playoff or World Series contenders for years to come.

Many big names will be free for the taking this offseason. This week, we look at a reliever that Reds fans have seen all too well.

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Reds Free Agency: Devin Williams

For the third edition of this new series, let’s take a look at a reliever who used to terrorize the Reds.

Devin Williams Profile

Devin Williams is a seven-year MLB veteran known mostly for his wicked changeup that has earned him the nickname, “The Airbender.”

Williams was a second-round pick in the 2013 MLB Draft by the Milwaukee Brewers. 

Williams has played for two teams in his seven years. He spent his first six seasons with the Brewers before being traded last offseason to the New York Yankees. He was traded to the Yankees in exchange for Nestor Cortes, Caleb Durbin, and cash considerations.

Williams is a two-time All-Star. He won the 2020 NL Rookie of the Year Award and has been named the Trevor Hoffman NL Reliever of the Year twice. 

Williams is listed at 6’2, 193lb. He is 31 years old with a little over five years of service time. He has a career 2.45 ERA with a 31-16 record and 86 saves. 

Devin Williams 2025 Stats

Games: 67
Innings Pitched: 62.0
Record: 4-6
ERA: 4.79
Saves: 18
WHIP: 1.129
SO/BB: 3.60

Devin Williams’ Pros & Cons/Arsenal

The biggest pro in Williams’ game is his disgusting changeup that easily puts away hitters thanks to its almost unheard of movement. Williams’ changeup features an unusually high spin rate and significant downward and arm-side break.

In 2025, opponents hit under the Mendoza Line when Williams threw his changeup. It resulted in a 37.3% whiff rate and put away hitters 21.4% of the time when he threw it.

Williams also features a four-seam fastball and a cutter; however, he rarely throws the cutter in games.

According to Baseball Savant, Williams has an elite-level ranking in expected ERA, batting average, chase rate, whiff rate, and strikeout rate. History has proven that Williams can put away hitters easily with a career strikeout rate that places him in the 97th percentile among all relievers.

However, recent history also suggests that Williams has started to throw slower. Williams has seen a slight decrease in his fastball velocity over the past few seasons. Because of this, hitters are generating harder contact off him.

Williams has also been more susceptible to blowing it up when his name has been called. Due to the factors above, as well as a loss of command over the years.

Devin Williams Value

Williams signed a one-year, $8.6 million contract with the New York Yankees this offseason to avoid arbitration. 

According to Spotrac, his current calculated market value is estimated at around $5.7 million per season.

With the estimated contract for Williams being just another one-year deal, his total projected value is estimated to be around the $5.7 million mark.

Why The Reds Should Sign Devin Williams

The Cincinnati Reds have a lot of decisions to make concerning their pitching staff this offseason. With the team at risk of losing eight pitchers this offseason, the Reds need to bring in more talent to replace those they choose to let walk on the open market.

We know what Devin Williams can be. As Reds fans were forced to watch Williams dominate for six years.. Maybe the pressure of the bright lights of New York was too much for Williams.

Whether deployed as a closer or a setup man, Williams could become the perfect pairing with Emilio Pagán or anyone else whom the Reds could consider as a closer or reliable setup man.

While the numbers have decreased, history still shows that Devin Williams, when locked in, is one of the most dominant relievers in the game.

Full Series: