After a good 2024 in D.C., Trevor Williams is set to return to the Nationals for two more years. Williams has reportedly agreed on a two-year deal with Washington, months after a resurgant 2024 for the 32-year-old.
A Look at Williams
Had Trevor Williams not went down with a right flexor strain in the summer, the 32-year-old likely would have been a popular Trade Deadline target.
Last season with the Nationals, Williams struck out 59 over 66.2 IP and posted a 2.03 ERA (199 ERA+). Among pitchers with 45+ IP thrown between the start of 2024 through May 31, Williams had the 11th-best ERA in that stretch (2.22), better than the likes of NL Cy Young runner-up Zack Wheeler and Corbin Burnes.
The veteran pitcher, who also spent time with Pittsburgh, Chicago (NL), and New York (NL) in his career, made only two starts after a lengthy IL stint from June-September. When he returned in late September, he struck out 12 over 10 innings and surrendered one run in that stretch.
And, Williams only surrendered three home runs over those innings, a stark contrast from 2023. With Washington two years earlier, Williams led the National League in home runs allowed (34).
There’s likely some regression coming for Williams, a good right-hander, albeit one who doesn’t have plus stuff, in 2025. However, the 32-year-old proved he can be highly effective with what he has.
The former second-round pick from a decade ago doesn’t have a plus fastball on paper: it’s a low-90s offering with below-average carry (10.9”). What Williams does do, however, is throw from a low arm angle (17°), which can make it tough to pick up at times. He’ll also complement with with a sinker, normal for pitchers with below-average four-seam stuff.
However, what really turned Williams around in 2024 was the sweeper. Williams rarely used one in 2023 but it became his second most-used pitch last year, behind the four-seamer. It’s a unique pitch in the sense that it moves a lot different compared to the average sweeper vertical. It’ll shoot up from an optical sense, then tail down.
Last season, opposing batters whiffed 45.9% off the time against the sweeper.
Per reports, the Nationals will bring back Trevor Williams on a two-year deal worth $14MM. The move caps off a busy week for Washington, one that saw the Nats add infielders Nathaniel Lowe and Josh Bell to their 2025 lineup.
Analysis
It’s the second notable pitching pickup for the Nationals this winter. A few weeks earlier, the Nats signed Michael Soroka, who flailed as a starter with the White Sox last year but flourished as a reliever. Soroka will get another chance to click as a starting pitcher.
With Williams, the Nationals now have at least six starting options to start 2025. MacKenzie Gore, Mitchell Parker, Jake Irvin, and DJ Herz are all part of the Nationals’ young nucleus. Now, add Soroka and Williams to the mix.
For Williams, the 32-year-old will get the same money ($7MM AAV) overall over a two-year period than what he made in 2024, also $7MM. It’s stability and assurance for a right-hander who’s never had that for much of his career, going from team to team and changing roles on a regular basis.
Remember, Williams was a good swingman two years ago with the Mets. However, he’s done well back as a starter with the Nationals.
As for Washington, the Nats don’t break the bank to fill out their 2025, and 2026 rotation. Assuming Josiah Gray can come back healthy in 2026, Washington is well-set to continue pushing the pace in the NL East.
The Nationals are still behind the three powers in the NL East. But, Washington, with good, young pieces like James Wood and Dylan Crews, aren’t far behind.