Devin Williams, Airbenders. 🛸🛸🛸
Devin Williams a strong bullpen target for Blue Jays
Photo credit: © Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
Nov 15, 2025, 11:00 ESTUpdated: Nov 15, 2025, 11:22 EST
The Toronto Blue Jays are firmly in the relief pitching market as the MLB offseason kicks into high gear.
The Blue Jays have reportedly held talks with star closer Edwin Díaz’s representatives at the recently concluded GM meetings and have also been linked to veteran right-hander Raisel Iglesias. It’s abundantly clear that Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins needs to significantly upgrade a bullpen group that frequently had trouble keeping the ball in the park.
Following Toronto’s heartbreaking loss in Game 7 of the World Series, Atkins said the Blue Jays are open to moving closer Jeff Hoffman out of the role after an uneven debut campaign in Toronto.
“The great thing about Jeff is he’s not married to that,” Atkins said, according to MLB.com’s Keegan Matheson. “I think he would be open to anything that makes us better.” Adding either Díaz or Iglesias would represent a massive win for Atkins and the Blue Jays.
Another name that should feature prominently on Toronto’s list is that of Devin Williams.
Williams had a tumultuous season as a member of the New York Yankees in 2025, getting bumped out of the closer’s role after a disastrous start. The right-hander had a 9.00 ERA in April, which set the table for the worst season of Williams’ career. He finished with a 4.79 ERA and tied a career high with four blown saves.
Despite the struggles, there were still some signs that Williams can quickly return to his place among the game’s top relief pitchers. His 2.68 FIP was more than two runs lower than his ERA and in line with his career mark of 2.45. He also lowered his walks per nine innings from 4.57 with the Milwaukee Brewers in 2024 to 3.63.
Williams also posted elite numbers in several key metrics, finishing in the 97th and 99th percentile in chase rate, whiff rate, and strikeout rate. It’s crystal clear that Williams’ stuff is still as good as it’s ever been.
The 31-year-old posted a sparkling 1.70 ERA with 361 strikeouts across just 222 innings over five seasons from 2020-2024, making two All-Star appearances and taking home National League Reliever of the Year twice.
Williams will likely seek to secure a multi-year contract, given the looming labour uncertainty at the conclusion of the 2026 season. Atkins and the Blue Jays proved they are willing to go outside of their comfort zone when they invested three years and $33 million in Hoffman last year. If they feel Williams is a good fit to help raise the ceiling of their bullpen for 2026 and beyond, there’s no reason to think they won’t make the type of offer it’ll require to secure his services.