Devin Williams (baseball)

Last updated

Devin Williams
New York Yankees
Pitcher
Born: (1994-09-21) September 21, 1994 (age 30)
Florissant, Missouri, U.S.
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
MLB debut
August 7, 2019, for the Milwaukee Brewers
Men's baseball
Representing Flag of the United States (23px).png  United States
World Baseball Classic
Silver medal icon (S initial).svg 2023 Miami Team

Devin Terran Williams (born September 21, 1994) is an American professional baseball pitcher for the New York Yankees of Major League Baseball (MLB). He previously played in MLB for the Milwaukee Brewers. His nickname is The Airbender. [1] [2]

Contents

Williams made his MLB debut in 2019 and was named the National League's rookie of the year and relief pitcher of the year in 2020. He was an MLB All-Star in 2022 and 2023.

Career

Early career

Williams attended Hazelwood West High School in Hazelwood, Missouri. He starred for the school's baseball team and committed to play college baseball for the University of Missouri. [3]

Milwaukee Brewers

Minor leagues

The Milwaukee Brewers selected Williams in the second round, with the 54th overall selection, of the 2013 MLB draft. [4] He signed with the Brewers for a $1.35 million signing bonus rather than enroll at the University of Missouri. [5]

During spring training in 2017, Williams tore the ulnar collateral ligament of the elbow. He underwent Tommy John surgery and missed the entire season. [6] In 2019, he was chosen to represent the Brewers at the All-Star Futures Game. [7]

Major leagues

On August 5, 2019, the Brewers selected Williams' contract and promoted him to the major leagues. [8] He made his debut on August 7 against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park. [9] In 13 appearances with the 2019 Brewers, Williams pitched to a 3.95 earned run average (ERA) while striking out 14 batters in 13+2⁄3 innings pitched.

Williams was named the NL Reliever of the Month for September 2020. In 13 innings, he surrendered just four hits, no runs and recorded 24 strikeouts. [10] On October 5, 2020, Williams was named MLB Reliever of the Year, capturing 12 of 17 votes. Williams had a breakout year finishing with an ERA of 0.33, surrendering just 18 hits in 27 innings and 53 strikeouts. He struck out over half the batters he faced in 22 appearances. On November 9, 2020, Williams was named the NL Rookie of the Year, becoming the first relief pitcher to win the award since Craig Kimbrel in 2011. [11] His 0.33 ERA was the lowest in a single season with at least 21 innings pitched since earned runs became an official statistic in 1913. [12]

Williams returned to the Brewers' bullpen for the 2021 season. After allowing only a single earned run in 14 relief appearances during August, he was named NL Reliever of the Month for the second time. [13] On September 29, 2021, it was announced that Williams would miss the remainder of the season after fracturing his pitching hand after drinking alcohol and punching a wall following the celebrations following the team's NL Central Division title clinch the Sunday before. [14]

The Brewers traded Josh Hader, their closer, at the 2022 trade deadline, and Williams succeeded him as their closer. [15] In October 2022, it was announced that Williams intended to represent Team USA in the 2023 World Baseball Classic. [16] [17]

On January 13, 2023, Williams agreed to a one-year, $3.35 million contract with the Brewers, avoiding salary arbitration. [18] He had a 1.53 ERA with 36 saves, and won the NL Reliever of the Year award for the second time. [19]

Williams signed a one-year contract for the 2024 season worth $7.25 million with a club option for the 2025 season worth $10.5 million. [20] On March 14, 2024, it was announced that Williams would miss roughly three months of action with two stress fractures in his back. [21] He was activated from the injured list on July 28. [22]

In the 2024 National League Wild Card Series against the New York Mets, Williams was brought in to close Game 3 with the Brewers leading 2–0. He allowed four runs in the top of the ninth inning, as Milwaukee eventually lost the game and their sixth straight playoff series. [23] At the end of the 2024 season, the Brewers declined the option on Williams' contract. [24]

New York Yankees

On December 13, 2024, the Brewers traded Williams to the New York Yankees for Nestor Cortes Jr. and Caleb Durbin. [25]

Pitching style

Williams has two primary pitches: a four-seam fastball and a circle changeup with screwball-like movement while rotating the ball off the ring finger during release, which is also similar to a cricket leg-spinner bowling a googly,[ citation needed ] but at a much faster pace of around 85 mph and with a very high spin-rate of 2,852 rpm. He also has a rarely-used cutter and sinker. [26] In 2020, due to the increased movement on the changeup, he increased its usage and often used it as a strikeout pitch. [27] He refers to his changeup as the "Airbender," a nickname coined by Rob Friedman. [28] [29]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Éric Gagné</span> Canadian baseball player (born 1976)

Éric Serge Gagné is a Canadian former professional baseball pitcher who played 10 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB), most notably for the Los Angeles Dodgers. After signing with the Dodgers as a free agent in 1995, Gagné began his career as a starting pitcher. After he struggled in that role, the Dodgers converted Gagné from a starter to a reliever, where for three years (2002–2004) he was statistically the most outstanding closer in the league, winning the Cy Young Award in 2003. During that period, he set a major league record by converting 84 consecutive save opportunities.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Marco Estrada (baseball)</span> Mexican baseball player (born 1983)

Marco René Estrada is a Mexican-American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Washington Nationals, Milwaukee Brewers, Toronto Blue Jays, and Oakland Athletics. He was an All-Star in 2016.

Below is a partial list of minor league baseball players in the Milwaukee Brewers system.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">David Phelps (baseball)</span> American baseball player (born 1986)

David Edward Phelps is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the New York Yankees, Miami Marlins, Seattle Mariners, Toronto Blue Jays, Chicago Cubs, Milwaukee Brewers, and Philadelphia Phillies. Phelps played college baseball at the University of Notre Dame.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jake Odorizzi</span> American baseball player (born 1990)

Jacob Todd Odorizzi is an American professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Kansas City Royals, Tampa Bay Rays, Minnesota Twins, Houston Astros, and Atlanta Braves. The Milwaukee Brewers selected Odorizzi in the first round, with the 32nd overall choice, of the 2008 MLB draft. He made his MLB debut in 2012 with the Royals.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wade Miley</span> American baseball player (born 1986)

Wade Allen Miley is an American professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. He has played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Arizona Diamondbacks, Boston Red Sox, Seattle Mariners, Baltimore Orioles, Milwaukee Brewers, Houston Astros, Cincinnati Reds, and Chicago Cubs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Will Smith (pitcher)</span> American baseball player (born 1989)

William Michael Smith is an American professional baseball relief pitcher who is a free agent. He has played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Kansas City Royals, Milwaukee Brewers, San Francisco Giants, Atlanta Braves, Houston Astros, and Texas Rangers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kyle Hendricks</span> American baseball player (born 1989)

Kyle Christian Hendricks, is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the Chicago Cubs. He made his MLB debut in 2014 with the Cubs, and led MLB in earned run average (ERA) in 2016.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Josh Hader</span> American baseball pitcher (born 1994)

Joshua Ronald Hader is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Houston Astros of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the Milwaukee Brewers and San Diego Padres. Hader is a five-time All-Star and three-time winner of the National League Reliever of the Year Award.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Andrew Chafin</span> American baseball player (born 1990)

Andrew Gregory Chafin, nicknamed "Big Country" and "the Sheriff", is an American professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Arizona Diamondbacks, Chicago Cubs, Oakland Athletics, Milwaukee Brewers, Detroit Tigers and Texas Rangers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jorge López (baseball)</span> Puerto Rican baseball player (born 1993)

Jorge Yabiel López Ramos is a Puerto Rican professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. He has played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Milwaukee Brewers, Kansas City Royals, Baltimore Orioles, Minnesota Twins, Miami Marlins, New York Mets, and Chicago Cubs. López made his MLB debut in 2015 and was an All-Star in 2022.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Taylor Williams</span> American baseball player

Taylor Grant Williams is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Algodoneros de Unión Laguna of the Mexican League. He made his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut with the Milwaukee Brewers in 2017 and has also played for the Seattle Mariners, San Diego Padres, and Miami Marlins.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Germán Márquez</span> Venezuelan baseball player (born 1995)

Germán Andres Márquez is a Venezuelan professional baseball pitcher for the Colorado Rockies of Major League Baseball (MLB). He made his MLB debut in 2016. Márquez won a Silver Slugger Award in 2018 and was an All-Star in 2021.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Edwin Díaz</span> Puerto Rican baseball player (born 1994)

Edwin Orlando Díaz Laboy is a Puerto Rican professional baseball pitcher for the New York Mets of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the Seattle Mariners. He made his MLB debut in 2016.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brandon Woodruff</span> American baseball player (born 1993)

Brandon Kyle Woodruff is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Milwaukee Brewers of Major League Baseball (MLB).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Luis Castillo (pitcher, born 1992)</span> Dominican baseball player

Luis Miguel Castillo is a Dominican professional baseball pitcher for the Seattle Mariners of Major League Baseball (MLB). He made his MLB debut in 2017 with the Cincinnati Reds. Castillo is a three-time All-Star.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Corbin Burnes</span> American baseball player (born 1994)

Corbin Brian Burnes is an American professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Milwaukee Brewers and Baltimore Orioles.

Drew Thomas Rasmussen is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Tampa Bay Rays of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the Milwaukee Brewers, for whom he made his MLB debut in 2020.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Trevor Richards (baseball)</span> American baseball player (born 1993)

Trevor Michael Richards is an American professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Miami Marlins, Tampa Bay Rays, Milwaukee Brewers, Toronto Blue Jays, and Minnesota Twins. He was signed by the Marlins in 2016 and made his MLB debut with them in 2018.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ethan Small</span> American baseball player (born 1997)

Ethan Robert Small is an American professional baseball pitcher in the San Francisco Giants organization. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Milwaukee Brewers.

References

  1. ↑ Craig, Marc (September 24, 2020). "The legend of 'Airbender': Devin Williams' — and baseball's — most absurd pitch work" . Retrieved October 3, 2020.{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |= ignored (help)
  2. ↑ Gelinas, Andrew JT (April 3, 2021). "Devin Williams: The First Airbender". longstorysport.com. Retrieved December 13, 2024.
  3. ↑ "Hazelwood West pitcher could achieve goal in draft". June 6, 2013.
  4. ↑ Meyer, Brendan (June 6, 2013). "Cubs select Mizzou's Zastryzny, Brewers select Williams in MLB Draft". stltoday.com. Retrieved June 30, 2019.
  5. ↑ Latsch, Nate (June 15, 2013). "Hazelwood West standout pitcher Williams signs with the Brewers | High School Baseball". stltoday.com. Retrieved June 30, 2019.
  6. ↑ "Devin Williams, Brewers' top pick in 2013, still has major-league dreams". Jsonline.com. August 21, 2018. Retrieved June 30, 2019.
  7. ↑ McCalvy, Adam (May 24, 2018). "Devin Williams picked to play in Futures Game | Milwaukee Brewers". Mlb.com. Retrieved June 30, 2019.
  8. ↑ Tom Haudricourt (August 5, 2019). "Zach Davies heads to injured list; Brewers call up relievers Jake Faria, Devin Williams". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel . Retrieved August 5, 2019.
  9. ↑ Jake Crouse (August 7, 2019). "Hiura leads rout of Bucs with first multi-HR game". MLB.com . Retrieved August 8, 2019.
  10. ↑ "Brewers' Williams named NL Reliever of the Month". September 28, 2020.
  11. ↑ "Williams first reliever to win ROY since 2011". MLB.com . November 9, 2020. Retrieved November 10, 2020.
  12. ↑ "Player Pitching Season & Career Stats Finder". Stathead.com. Sports Reference . Retrieved June 21, 2022.
  13. ↑ Adler, David (September 2, 2021). "Clase, Williams tabbed top August relievers". MLB.com. Retrieved September 2, 2021.
  14. ↑ Matt Snyder (September 29, 2021). "Brewers' Devin Williams out for playoffs as reliever breaks hand by punching wall after NL Central celebration". CBS Sports . Retrieved September 29, 2021.
  15. ↑ Nightengale, Bob. "Nightengale's Notebook: Brewers, irate over Josh Hader trade, have recovered that clubhouse vibe". USA TODAY.
  16. ↑ "Devin Williams Named To 2023 WBC Roster". wisportsheroics.com. December 12, 2022. Retrieved February 28, 2023.
  17. ↑ "Four pitchers commit to Team USA for World Baseball Classic". MLB.com. Retrieved February 28, 2023.
  18. ↑ "2023 MLB Arbitration Tracker". MLBTradeRumors. Retrieved January 13, 2023.
  19. ↑ "Williams wins 2nd NL Reliever of Year Award". MLB.com.
  20. ↑ "Brewers get busy on deadline".
  21. ↑ "Sources - Brewers' Devin Williams out with stress fractures". espn.com. Retrieved March 18, 2024.
  22. ↑ "Brewers Reinstate Devin Williams From 60-Day Injured List". mlbtraderumors.com. Retrieved July 28, 2024.
  23. ↑ "Brewers lose to Mets in Game 3, Milwaukee eliminated". Associated Press. October 3, 2024. Retrieved October 4, 2024.
  24. ↑ "Brewers pick up Freddy Peralta's option amid flurry of moves". ESPN.com. Associated Press. November 3, 2024. Retrieved November 4, 2024.
  25. ↑ Hoch, Bryan (December 13, 2024). "Yanks trade for closer Williams from Brewers". MLB.com. Retrieved December 13, 2024.
  26. ↑ "Pitch Arsenal". baseballsavant.com. Retrieved October 2, 2020.
  27. ↑ "Devin Williams - Stats - Pitching | FanGraphs Baseball". www.fangraphs.com. Retrieved October 2, 2020.
  28. ↑ "Dodgers must contend with the unhittable 'Airbender' pitch of Brewers' Devin Williams". Los Angeles Times. September 29, 2020. Retrieved October 3, 2020.
  29. ↑ Martell, Matt (September 26, 2020). "How One Pitch Helped Devin Williams Become MLB's Best Reliever". si.com. Retrieved December 13, 2024.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.