Devin Williams (baseball) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Devin Williams |
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| New York Yankees – No. 38 | ||||||||||||||
| Pitcher | ||||||||||||||
| Born: September 21, 1994 Florissant, Missouri, U.S. |
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| debut | ||||||||||||||
| August 7, 2019, for the Milwaukee Brewers | ||||||||||||||
| MLB statistics (through 2024 season) |
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| Win–loss record | 26–10 | |||||||||||||
| Earned run average | 1.91 | |||||||||||||
| Strikeouts | 357 | |||||||||||||
| Saves | 62 | |||||||||||||
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| Career highlights and awards | ||||||||||||||
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Devin Terran Williams (born September 21, 1994) is an American professional baseball pitcher. He plays for the New York Yankees in Major League Baseball (MLB). Before joining the Yankees, he played for the Milwaukee Brewers. Many people know him by his cool nickname, The Airbender.
Devin Williams started his MLB career in 2019 with the Brewers. He quickly became famous in 2020. That year, he won two big awards: Rookie of the Year and Reliever of the Year for the National League. He was also chosen as an MLB All-Star in 2022 and 2023. After the 2024 season, the Brewers traded him to the New York Yankees.
Contents
Devin Williams' Baseball Journey
Starting His Baseball Career
Devin Williams went to Christian Brothers College High School. Later, he moved to Hazelwood West High School in Hazelwood, Missouri. The Milwaukee Brewers noticed his talent. They picked him in the second round of the 2013 MLB draft. This was the 54th player chosen overall that year.
Instead of going to the University of Missouri, Devin decided to sign with the Brewers. He received a $1.35 million signing bonus. This was a big step towards his professional baseball dream.
Overcoming Injuries Early On
In 2017, during spring training, Devin faced a tough challenge. He tore a ligament in his elbow. This injury is called a torn ulnar collateral ligament of the elbow. He needed a surgery known as Tommy John surgery. Because of this, he missed the entire 2017 baseball season.
Despite the setback, Devin worked hard to recover. By 2019, he was playing well again. He was even chosen to represent the Brewers at the All-Star Futures Game. This game features some of the best young players in baseball.
Time with the Milwaukee Brewers
Making It to the Major Leagues
On August 5, 2019, the Brewers called Devin up to the major leagues. He made his first MLB appearance on August 7. This game was against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park. In 2019, he played in 13 games for the Brewers. He had a 3.95 earned run average (ERA). He also struck out 14 batters in about 13 and two-thirds innings pitched.
A Breakout Year in 2020
Devin had an amazing year in 2020. He was named the NL Reliever of the Month for September. During that month, he pitched 13 innings. He allowed only four hits and no runs. He also struck out 24 batters.
On October 5, 2020, Devin won the MLB Reliever of the Year award. He received 12 out of 17 votes. His ERA for the year was incredibly low, at 0.33. He gave up only 18 hits in 27 innings. He also struck out 53 batters. He struck out more than half the batters he faced in 22 games.
On November 9, 2020, Devin was named the NL Rookie of the Year. He was the first relief pitcher to win this award since Craig Kimbrel in 2011. His 0.33 ERA was the lowest for a pitcher with at least 21 innings since 1913.
Continuing Success and New Role
Devin continued to be a key player for the Brewers in 2021. He had another great month in August. He allowed only one earned run in 14 games. This earned him his second NL Reliever of the Month award.
In 2022, the Brewers traded their main closer, Josh Hader. Devin Williams then took over as the team's closer. This meant he was responsible for finishing games and getting the final outs. In October 2022, it was announced that Devin would play for Team USA in the 2023 World Baseball Classic.
On January 13, 2023, Devin signed a contract with the Brewers for $3.35 million. He had a 1.53 ERA and recorded 36 saves that year. He also won the NL Reliever of the Year award for the second time.
Devin signed another contract for the 2024 season, worth $7.25 million. It also included an option for the 2025 season. On March 14, 2024, it was announced that Devin would miss about three months. He had two stress fractures in his back. He returned to play on July 28. In 22 games for Milwaukee, he had a 1.25 ERA. He also had 38 strikeouts and 14 saves in about 21 and two-thirds innings.
In the 2024 National League Wild Card Series against the New York Mets, Devin came in to close Game 3. The Brewers were leading 2–0. However, he allowed four runs in the ninth inning. Milwaukee lost the game and their sixth playoff series in a row. After the 2024 season, the Brewers decided not to keep Devin's contract option.
Joining the New York Yankees
On December 13, 2024, the Brewers traded Devin Williams. He went to the New York Yankees. In return, the Brewers received Nestor Cortés Jr., Caleb Durbin, and some cash.
Devin Williams' Pitching Style
Devin Williams is known for his unique way of pitching. He mainly uses two types of pitches. One is a 4-seam fastball. The other is a special circle changeup. This changeup has a movement similar to a screwball. He rotates the ball off his ring finger when he throws it. It's also a bit like how a cricket leg-spinner bowls a googly.
This pitch is thrown very fast, around 85 miles per hour. It also spins a lot, at about 2852 rotations per minute. Devin also has a cutter and a sinker, but he uses them less often. In 2020, he started using his changeup more. This was because it had so much movement. He often used it to strike out batters. He calls his changeup the "Airbender." This nickname was given to him by baseball analyst Rob Friedman.
