Three potential landing spots for Devin Williams

Devin Williams did not have the type of season the New York Yankees had hoped for.

One of the best relievers in the game during his time with the Brewers, Williams had posted a 1.83 ERA and a 1.023 WHIP over his 235.2 innings, recording 68 saves while striking out 375 batters. He was sent to the Yankees in mid-December and was expected to be the answer in the ninth inning. Instead, Williams posted a 4.79 ERA and a 1.129 WHIP over his 62 innings, losing the closer role twice over the course of the season.

There is reason to believe that Williams can bounce back. He posted a 2.68 FIP (pitcher ERA based on outcomes they can control) and his 3.6 walks per nine innings was his best mark since 2020. Likewise, Williams allowed a .299 batting average on balls in play, the second-worst mark of his career. With better defense, and better luck, Williams should return to the dominant form he showed in Milwaukee.

A disappointing 2025 season could make Williams a bargain. Let's take a look at three potential landing spots.

Three potential landing spots for Devin Williams in free agency

1. New York Yankees

Although Williams struggled during his time with the Yankees, that may not matter. Bryan Hoch from MLB.com reported that Williams would be open to returning to New York. While he admitted that joining the Yankees was "a challenge" at first, he came to enjoy the experience and his time in the Bronx.

The feeling is mutual. Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon of The Athletic reported that the Yankees have reached out to Williams' representatives about a reunion. Williams may end up as a setup man in such a scenario, as the Yankees also have David Bednar and Camilo Doval under contract, but that may be his best role in New York.

2. Miami Marlins

As Williams could be a bargain in free agency, it would stand to reason that his market could extend to teams that would not normally be able to afford him on the open market. The Miami Marlins could be one of those teams.

The Marlins were one of the biggest surprises in baseball in 2025, posting a 79-83 record while remaining in postseason contention into the final week of the regular season. Marlins ownership has expressed a willingness to invest in the roster as they aim to return to the postseason. The ninth inning was a revolving door with nine different relievers recording a save, led by Calvin Faucher with 15 saves. Williams would instantly solidify the ninth inning and could be one of the missing pieces as the Marlins look to return to the playoffs.

3. Detroit Tigers

The Tigers made several moves at the trade deadline in an attempt to bolster their pitching staff. Closer Kyle Finnegan was stellar over the final two months but is a free agent. A late-season collapse was a step back for a young Tigers roster hoping to make the leap to contend for a World Series berth.

Jon Morosi from MLB Network reported that the Tigers are among the teams interested in Williams. The Tigers' window of contention may be rapidly closing as two-time defending AL Cy Young award winner Tarik Skubal is slated for free agency after the 2026 season. Adding Williams would provide a needed shutdown reliever in a bullpen lacking late-inning weapons. Williams would not solve all of the Tigers problems in the bullpen, but he would be a strong anchor to rebuild the relief corps around.