Yankees’ Devin Williams named MLB Network’s top reliever for 2025

Williams was acquired by the Yankees in December

Devin Williams may not have thrown a pitch in pinstripes yet, but the Yankees’ new closer is seen as the best reliever going into the 2025 season.

MLB Network released their annual top 10 list of relievers on Wednesday and the right-hander was ranked at the top of the list for the second consecutive year. Williams, 30, was acquired by the Yankees in a trade with the Brewers in mid-December and will look to play up to his MLB Network ranking.

So far in his career, Williams has done just that. He won NL Rookie of the Year in 2020, and earned two All-Star appearances (2022-23) and two Trevor Hoffman NL Reliever of the Year awards (2020, 2023) while pitching to a career 1.83 ERA over his six big league seasons. Last season, he missed the first four months due to injury but came back to pitch to a 1.25 ERA over 22 games while converting 14 saves.

Williams’ distinction at the top of the list is no small feat considering the other relievers he beat out.

He beat out young Guardians pitcher Cade Smith who finished second. Ryan Helsley of the Cardinals, the Guardians’ Emmanuel Clase and the Athletics’ Mason Miller round out the top five. Edwin Uceta (Rays), Tanner Scott (free agent), Kirby Yates (free agent), Jeff Hoffman (free agent) and Raisel Iglesias (Braves) make up the rest of the list.

Related Posts

BREAKING: Brusdar Graterol and the Dodgers have agreed to a $2.8 million deal to avoid arbitration for the 2025 season

The Dodgers avoided salary arbitration with Brusdar Graterol by signing the right-handed pitcher to a one-year, $2.8 million contract for 2025.

BREAKING NEWS: Four Possible Fits to Bolster Dodger Bullpen

The Los Angeles Dodgers have been busy in recent days, bringing back corner outfielder and fan favorite Teoscar Hernández. They have also signed infielder Hyeseong Kim from the KBO and traded second baseman Gavin Lux to the Cincinnati…

BREAKING: Lawyers demand Yankees rings as Giuliani Battles $148M defamation ruling

The lawyers filed papers in Manhattan federal court asking a judge to find that their clients should be given the rings marking New York Yankees’ victories in 1996, 1999 and 2000.

REPORT: Yankees Blockbuster Trade Proposal Would Bring $154 Million All-Star to New York

The New York Yankees are caught in a trade rumor spiral, which isn’t uncommon for Major League Baseball’s signature franchise. Typically, if the Yankees want a superstar,…

BREAKING: Mets Could Poach Another Yankees Outfielder in Free Agency

After poaching Juan Soto from the New York Yankees, the New York Mets could land Alex Verdugo after meeting with him.

REPORT: Dodgers’ $92 Million Ace Predicted to Ditch LA to Sign With NL Contender

Starting pitcher Jack Flaherty only spent half of the 2024 season with the Los Angeles Dodgers, but it was memorable. The right-hander was a crucial part of…