MLB insider links Rangers to former Yankee and two-time NL Reliever of the Year

MLB insider Jim Bowden connects Rangers to Yankees free agent reliever Devin Williams

In MLB insider Jim Bowden's list of top 50 MLB free agents for 2025-26, he wrote that the Texas Rangers, Milwaukee Brewers, Atlanta Braves, Cincinnati Reds, Detroit Tigers and San Francisco Giants are the best fits for free agent reliever Devin Williams.

Williams, who is known for his “Airbender" changeup, spent six seasons with the Brewers before he was traded to the Yankees in the 2024-25 offseason. During his time with Milwaukee, Williams had a dominant 1.83 ERA with a 39.4% strikeout rate in 235 2/3 innings, earned two All-Star nods and won two Trevor Hoffman National League (NL) Reliever of the Year Awards.

Unfortunately for Williams, the righty struggled immensely in his first MLB season on a team other than the Brewers, posting an awful 4.79 ERA over 62 innings with the Yankees in 2025. However, Williams pitched well in September and in the postseason, and his 2.68 FIP during the 2025 campaign suggests he will return to the version of himself that won two NL Reliever of the Year Awards next season. Not to mention, Williams still had an elite chase rate (97th percentile), whiff rate (99th percentile) and strikeout rate (97th percentile) this past season despite his poor results. Williams struggled to limit free passes last season, as evidenced by his high walk rate (9.7%), but it's a weakness that has persisted even during his dominant seasons with the Brewers.

Should the Rangers sign Devin Williams, despite his struggles with the Yankees?

Williams' poor results in 2025 could work in the Rangers' favor. Since the former long-tenured Brewer is coming off his worst season of his career, he will likely sign a one-year deal and hope it leads to a bigger contract the following offseason. Bowden predicts the righty bullpen arm will receive a one-year, $10 million contract, which would be an affordable rate for Texas if Williams predictably returns to form.

The Rangers are in desperate need of some bullpen arms, as they are losing five relievers (Shawn Armstrong, Hoby Milner, Phil Maton, Chris Martin and Danny Coulombe) to free agency. While $10 million may seem like a steep price for a reliever who nearly had a 5.00 ERA last season, it will be a bargain if Williams becomes elite again, something the Rangers should keep in mind when assembling their bullpen this offseason.