Milwaukee Brewers relief pitcher, Devin Williams is the National League Rookie of the Year. The announcement was made today by the Baseball Writers Association of America (BBWAA).
Williams earned 14 first place votes, 6 second place votes and 7 third place votes, for a total of 95 points. Philadelphia Phillies third baseman, Alec Bohm and San Diego Padres third baseman, Jake Cronenworth tied for second place with 74 points. Bohm earned 9 first place votes to Cronenworth’s 6.
Prior to Williams, the last member of the Brewers to earn the award was third baseman Ryan Braun in 2007. Short stop Pat Listach won the American League rookie of the year award in 1992.
The 26-year old Williams turned in an historic season, finishing with a record of 4-1 and a 0.33 ERA. Among pitchers with at least 20 innings pitched, Williams led major league relievers with 53 strikeouts in just 27 innings pitched, while surrendering just one earned run and eight hits.
Used primarily as a set-up man for Brewers closer Josh Hader, Williams becomes the first National League pitcher to earn rookie of the year honors despite never starting, or saving a game during the regular season.
Williams adds the Rookie of the Year Award to his previously earned 2020 National League Reliever of the Year Award.