In MLB insider Jim Bowden’s ranking of the top 50 free agents for the 2025–26 offseason, he listed the Texas Rangers, Milwaukee Brewers, Atlanta Braves, Cincinnati Reds, Detroit Tigers, and San Francisco Giants as the best landing spots for free-agent reliever.
Top star, famous for his devastating “Airbender” changeup, spent six seasons with the Brewers before being traded to the Yankees ahead of the 2024–25 campaign. During his time in Milwaukee, he was one of the most dominant bullpen arms in baseball, posting a 1.83 ERA and a 39.4% strikeout rate over 235 2/3 innings, earning two All-Star selections and winning a pair of Trevor Hoffman National League Reliever of the Year Awards.
His first season outside of Milwaukee, however, didn’t go as planned. Williams struggled mightily with the Yankees in 2025, finishing with a 4.79 ERA across 62 innings. Still, there were encouraging signs late in the year — he rebounded with a strong September and postseason, and his 2.68 FIP suggests his overall performance was better than his ERA indicates. Even with the inconsistency, Williams remained elite in several key metrics, ranking in the 97th percentile in chase rate, 99th percentile in whiff rate, and 97th percentile in strikeout rate. The main issue, as has been throughout his career, was control — he walked 9.7% of batters faced last season.
For the Rangers, taking a chance on Williams could prove to be a smart investment. After all, his down year could lower his market value significantly. Bowden projects the right-hander will sign a one-year, $10 million deal — a potentially team-friendly price for a reliever with his track record.
Texas has a glaring need in the bullpen this winter, with five relievers — Shawn Armstrong, Hoby Milner, Phil Maton, Chris Martin, and Danny Coulombe — all set to hit free agency. While $10 million might seem high for a pitcher who nearly posted a 5.00 ERA, the upside is undeniable. If Williams rediscovers his All-Star form, it could turn out to be one of the most valuable short-term signings of the offseason.