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The Washington Nationals are wrapping up some business ahead of the new year, with another key move for the 2024 season. A day after re-signing first baseman Josh Bell, sources confirmed that right-hander Trevor Williams is set to return on a two-year, $14 million contract, although the team has not yet officially announced the deal.
Williams had a limited but impactful 2024 season. The right-hander made only 13 starts after spending significant time on the injured list due to a right flexor muscle strain. Despite the setbacks, Williams was highly effective when on the mound, finishing with a 6-1 record and a remarkable 2.03 ERA and 1.04 WHIP.
During his starts, the Nationals were an impressive 10-3, with Williams consistently delivering quality innings. He completed at least five frames in every start, allowing no more than three earned runs in 12 of those appearances. Notably, he also went on a 45 1/3-inning homerless streak to start the season.
Williams' Past Seasons and Future with Nationals
Originally signed by the Nationals as a free agent following the 2022 season, Williams' previous contract was a two-year, $13 million deal. Over the past two years, he has made 43 starts, posting a 4.44 ERA with a 12-11 record.
Following his final start of the 2024 season, Williams expressed his enthusiasm for the team, saying, “This is a tremendous team. I’ve grown to love these guys in the clubhouse. What we’ve done is special, and we have an opportunity to win more games than we did last year and we made incredible strides. It’s a testament to the coaching staff and to the guys that put in the time and effort to do that. It’s a testament to the front office for finding players to supplement our team and getting us to where the Nationals need to be to win a World Series again, and I think they’re really close. I’d love to be a part of this team that wins another World Series here.”
Nationals' Rotational Plans and Spring Training Questions
The Nationals’ decision to bring Williams back comes just days after the team signed right-hander Michael Soroka to a one-year, $9 million deal. This adds depth to a starting rotation that already includes right-hander Jake Irvin, along with lefties MacKenzie Gore, DJ Herz, and Mitchell Parker.
As the team heads into Spring Training, several scenarios are up for discussion. Williams, as a veteran pitcher, could be a stabilizing force in the starting rotation, but there are questions about how the Nationals will deploy him. Will they rely on his experience in the starting five, or will they consider using him in the bullpen as a long reliever? A key factor will be how the younger arms like Herz and Parker fit into the rotation mix, with one of them potentially starting the season in Triple-A.
Williams Focused on Improvements for 2025
Looking ahead to the 2025 season, Williams is determined to build on his success. Speaking in late September, he emphasized that he was focused on reviewing what contributed to his 2024 success, making necessary adjustments, and strengthening to avoid injuries moving forward. "I’m excited to see what the league will throw me next season,” Williams remarked, showing his readiness to embrace the challenges ahead.
With the addition of Williams and other key signings, the Nationals are building a promising squad as they aim to return to championship contention.
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