If you have been closely following the Cleveland Guardians’ spring training campaign this year, you probably know that Gavin Williams is looking like an ace.
He is finally ready to leave his forgettable 2024 behind.
Last year included a troublesome elbow injury and a 4.86 ERA, which is way worse than he deserved.
He was able to enjoy a normal offseason and is ready to take the next step in his development: Williams has ace potential, and he is certainly looking like one.
In eight innings, he has a 1.13 ERA and an incredible 16 strikeouts.
Looking at his swinging strike rate, it’s easy to see why he has accumulated so many punchouts.
“Gavin Williams leads spring training in SwStr% (30 batters faced minimum – statcast games only): 1. Gavin Williams 27.5%, 2. Max Scherzer 20.8%, 3. Nick Nastrini 20.1%, 4. Brent Headrick 18.3%, 5. Nathan Eovaldi 18.0%, 6. Tarik Skubal 17.6%, 7. Albert Suarez 17.5%, 8. Mason Barnett 15.6%, 9. Clay Holmes 15.4%, 10. Carlos Carrasco 15.2%,” fantasy analyst Jon Anderson posted on X.
Gavin Williams leads spring training in SwStr% (30 batters faced minimum – statcast games only)
1. Gavin Williams 27.5%
2. Max Scherzer 20.8%
3. Nick Nastrini 20.1%
4. Brent Headrick 18.3%
5. Nathan Eovaldi 18.0%
6. Tarik Skubal 17.6%
7. Albert Suarez 17.5%
8. Mason Barnett…— Jon Anderson (@JonPgh) March 10, 2025
A quick reminder: swinging strike rate (SwStr%) basically means whiffs per pitch, whereas whiff% studies whiffs per swing.
What does this mean regarding Williams?
Well, a lot, actually: he is earning close to one swinging strike for every three pitches he makes, which is absurdly high.
That explains why he has two strikeouts per inning so far in Cactus League play.
He is basically toying with hitters, pumping 98-99 mph fastballs and combining them with some nasty secondary offerings.
If you thought Williams was solid in his debut season in 2023, he is about to shatter those heights in 2025.
Health has to cooperate, of course, but everything is in place for him to take a sizable step forward.
NEXT: Bruce Drennan Shares His Thoughts On Guardians' Second Base Candidate
