The Rookie of the Year award doesn’t show up in Milwaukee frequently. It has been 13 years since 23-year-old Ryan Braun won the National League Rookie of the Year. Who would be the next to do it? None other than middle-reliever, Devin Williams. 

Airbender

Williams adopted his nickname of “Airbender” because of his devastating change-up and fastball that would leave opponents guessing. The 26-year-old right-handed reliever struck out 53 batters in 27 innings pitched. Williams surrendered one run and eight hits all season which is good for a 0.33 ERA and a 0.63 WHIP. 

Williams makes history

As a Brewers second-round draft pick, he struggled to solidify a position in the minors. He split time as a starter and reliever but made his home in the bullpen. In 2019 he dominated hitters in the minor leagues, which was his first step towards something bigger. After his first full season in the major leagues this year, Williams is the first pitcher in baseball history to win the Rookie of the Year award without recording a win or save. From struggling to make it as a minor league starter to putting himself out there as the best reliever in the game, Devin Williams is the Rookie of the Year.

Water 💧 Earth 🍃 Fire 🔥 Devin Williams’ change-up 💨

Congrats to the 2020 NL Rookie of the Year, Devin Williams! pic.twitter.com/DPOk0IrHkV

— Cut4 (@Cut4) November 9, 2020

Along with Ryan Braun, Devin Williams joins Pat Listach (1992) as the only Brewers to be named Rookie of the Year. Williams was running against Alec Bohm of the Phillies and Jake Cronenworth of the Padres. 

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