Dodgers Rumors: Rumors: Dodgers & Devin Williams Have “Mutual Interest” in Free Agent Talks
Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports that there is early mutual interest between the Dodgers and Devin Williams.
LAS VEGAS, NV—While the Los Angeles Dodgers looked to create a super bullpen last winter, giving multi-year contracts to veteran right-hander Blake Treinen and top relief pitcher Tanner Scott, along with bringing top American League relief arm Kirby Yates to the fold on a 1-year deal, those moves ultimately backfired.
By season’s end, the Dodgers’ bullpen was one of the worst in the sport and a massive issue down the stretch for Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, who reverted to using his surplus of starters during the postseason with Tyler Glasnow, Emmet Sheehan, Clayton Kershaw, and even Yoshinobu Yamamoto pitching innings from the bullpen.
While Andrew Friedman and Co. tried to patch together the back-end of the bullpen with the reacquisition of former Dodgers right-handed pitcher Brock Stewart, he would ultimately make a handful of appearances before undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery.
Entering the offseason, despite winning a second consecutive World Series, the first team to do so in 25 years, the Dodgers are seeking to upgrade their bullpen yet again, particularly looking for a late-inning right-handed option, and according to Fabain Ardaya of The Athletic, they’ve narrowed down their choices to free agent right-hander Devin Williams.
Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes affirmed Tuesday that the Dodgers could sign a reliever as they ramp up for a potential three-peat. Candidates include at least one familiar target already clear at this week’s annual general manager’s meetings in Las Vegas, sources said: two-time All-Star reliever Devin Williams.
Ardaya later confirmed that both sides have early mutual interest in a pairing, which makes sense given the Dodgers’ history with Williams last offseason, when they nearly acquired his services from the Milwaukee Brewers before he was ultimately traded to the Bronx.
Williams is recovering from a challenging first season with the Yankees, where he posted a 4-6 record, a 4.79 ERA, a 1.13 WHIP, and secured 18 saves in 22 chances. However, his advanced stats, like a 2.68 FIP and a remarkable 34.7% strikeout rate, indicate his potential to return to an all-star level.
By late April, Williams was replaced in the closer role and showed inconsistency in late-game situations throughout the 2025 season. He was used as a setup man behind David Bednar to conclude the regular season.
By the end of the season, Williams showed interest in returning to the Yankees but clarified that he would prefer to take on a closer role again for the 2026 season.
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