Report: Dodgers, Devin Williams have mutual interest
The Los Angeles Dodgers are wasting no time in trying to shore up their biggest weakness ahead of their quest for a three-peat.
L.A. is targeting free-agent reliever Devin Williams, and the interest appears to be mutual, sources told Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic.
Williams is one of the top bullpen arms on the open market this winter, though he's coming off a down season with the New York Yankees. The Yankees acquired the 31-year-old from the Milwaukee Brewers last winter with hopes of making him their closer, only to see him post a career-worst 4.79 ERA along with a 1.12 WHIP and just 18 saves in 67 appearances.
However, there were still a few positive signs for Williams in 2025. He finished the season with 90 strikeouts and a 13.1 K/9 rate, while his 3.6 BB/9 rate was his lowest in five years. Williams also performed well down the stretch and didn't allow a run over his final 13 outings of the year, including the postseason.
The two-time All-Star would be a boon for the Dodgers if he's able to rediscover his old form. Over six seasons in Milwaukee, he tallied a 1.83 ERA and 1.02 WHIP with 68 saves while winning two Trevor Hoffman NL Reliever of the Year awards and the 2020 NL Rookie of the Year.
The Dodgers are seeking more late-inning firepower to boost a bullpen that boasts big names but often sprung leaks during the season. Tanner Scott's 23 saves led the team in 2025 despite an otherwise ineffective campaign. Scott and Kirby Yates, L.A.'s two significant bullpen additions from last winter, missed the team's postseason run because of injuries.
Roki Sasaki broke out as a closer in the playoffs, but it's not yet clear whether he'll remain in the bullpen or return to the rotation going forward. Alex Vesia, Blake Treinen, and Jack Dreyer are among the key relievers expected to return next year, while Brusdar Graterol, Evan Phillips, and Brock Stewart could return from injuries at some point in 2026.
The free-spending Dodgers are currently projected to have an Opening Day payroll slightly north of $256 million, according to Cot's Contracts. Los Angeles sported the majors' highest payroll last year and should have room to add money with free agents, such as Yates, Michael Conforto, Miguel Rojas, and Kiké Hernández, coming off the books.