Why The Orioles Should Sign Devin Williams
The Baltimore Orioles plan to face the 2026 season without star closer Felix Bautista due to rotator cuff and labrum surgery. Baltimore’s bullpen capabilities are also diminished without the likes of Seranthony Dominguez and Gregory Soto. Arms are a top priority for the team to mount a turnaround bid after a disappointing 2025 season. Why The Orioles Should Sign Devin Williams 2026 brings along several high-leverage and accomplished relief pitchers that could ease the pain of losing Bautista. One name that stands out as a potential target for the Orioles is New York Yankees closer Devin Williams. It makes perfect sense for the team, not just in terms of replacing their closer, but weakening a division rival in the process. Devin Williams Is A Strikeout Machine Baltimore underwhelmed with striking out batters this year, finishing just in the bottom half of that category. Most of the bullpen, including Keegan Akin and Yennier Cano, had a strikeout rate per nine under nine strikeouts. It directly puts pressure on the defense to perform and gives offenses opportunities to avoid unproductive outs with runners on base. Williams provides a much-needed asset that is pivotal in tight late-game situations, something the Orioles lack. On the surface level, the 31-year-old closer had his worst season on record with a 4.79 ERA and a WAR of -0.3. But he continued to cement himself as a premier closer when taking a deeper look.