The Cincinnati Reds are eyeing Devin Williams as a potential closer to fill the void left by Emilio Pagan, who had a strong 2025 season but is now a free agent. Williams, previously dominant against the Reds, has seen ups and downs after his trade to the Yankees, where he struggled with a 4.79 ERA. Still, he possesses a career ERA of 1.83 and a reputation for elite performance. With various projections estimating his free agent value, the Reds must weigh the risk of a big commitment versus their budget constraints.
By the NumbersEmilio Pagan had a 2.88 ERA with 32 saves in 68.2 innings in 2025.Devin Williams posted a career ERA of 1.83 and limited the Reds to a .098 batting average across 34 games since 2019.Williams is projected to receive offers ranging from $18 million for one year to $68 million over four years. State of PlayThe Reds need to rebuild their bullpen with multiple free agents departing.Williams had a challenging transition to the Yankees, pitching a career-high 62 innings with a 4.79 ERA. What’s Next
The Reds must evaluate their budget and decide if they will pursue Williams and potentially offer him a short-term contract to bolster their relief options. The market for closers is heating up, making timely decisions crucial for roster improvement.
Bottom Line
Securing Devin Williams could significantly enhance the Reds’ bullpen, but they must navigate financial complexities and competing offers while aligning their long-term strategy.