According to a recent report in The Athletic, the Boston Red Sox are reportedly interested in free agent reliever Devin Williams, who spent the 2025 season with the New York Yankees.

One week into free agency, approximately 12 teams, including the Los Angeles Dodgers, Boston Red Sox and Cincinnati Reds, expressed interest in Williams, league sources said.

About Williams

Now 31 years old, Williams won't turn 32 until next September. He struggled at times with the Yankees, going 4-6 with a 4.79 ERA. He had only 18 saves, but still posted elite strikeout numbers (90 Ks in 62.0 innings). 

For his career, he's been generally elite. In seven years with the Milwaukee Brewers and Yankees, he's gone 31-16 with a 2.45 ERA, striking out 465 batters in 297.2 innings. He has 86 career saves, including a career-high 36 in 2023.

Why it's clunky for the Red Sox

It's certainly understandable that the Red Sox would want Williams, as having him would allow them to build out a 'bullpen of death,' but that said - how would Williams fit?

Is Williams OK not serving as a closer? Relievers have egos, and Williams may view the ninth inning as his position in a bullpen. And remember, closers get paid more than eighth inning relievers, who get paid more than mid-leverage guys. So, is Williams OK not pitching in the prominent position AND not getting the money associated with it?

Aroldis Chapman currently serves as the Red Sox closer, and he's coming off an all-time year in Boston. In 67 games, he had a 1.17 ERA and 32 saves. He struck out 85 batters in 61.1 innings, and at age 37 (almost 38), he's still as hot as ever. The closer's job is his, and Garrett Whitlock has a handle on the eighth inning as one of the best leverage guys in the game.

Would Williams really take a Red Sox contract knowing that he's behind Chapman for sure, and possibly (maybe?) Whitlock too?

What is possible...

At 38 next season, Chapman's future is not guaranteed. Perhaps Williams could sign a multi-year deal with the closer's job remaining a possibility, or a guarantee, for Boston in 2027 and beyond.

However, he'd also likely get a guaranteed closer's gig right away somewhere else which could be more appealing.

Other needs

The Red Sox are said to be in the market for a top-flight starting pitcher and a third baseman. They also have interest in first baseman Pete Alonso.

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