If you have followed the 2025 Cleveland Guardians season closely, you know that right-hander Gavin Williams didn’t quite have the start most fans expected.
He looked fantastic in spring training, ready to take the next step and become a true ace.
However, he had a 5.06 ERA after seven starts.
He was way too hittable, and his command was spotty.
Thankfully for Cleveland, Williams has righted the ship in recent outings and now looks in prime position to take that next step in his development.
The Guardians lost on Thursday, but it certainly wasn’t because of Williams: he tossed six scoreless frames.
Everything that happened after that is on the bullpen and the offense.
Former Guardian Carlos Baerga noted that Williams’ ERA is trending down, and he has been striking people out, two important indicators of success.
“His ERA keeps coming down every start, 72 Ks in 69 IP, he’s striking out more batters,” Baerga said.
Is Gavin Williams starting to turn the corner? #GuardsBall
"His ERA keeps coming down every start, 72 Ks in 69 IP, he's striking out more batters."
– @BaergaCarlos pic.twitter.com/ZCWXa3lIUt
— Carlos Baerga Show (@BaergaShow) June 20, 2025
A big reason why the Guardians could potentially make the playoffs this year, even if they are 9.5 games behind in their division, is their pair of talented young aces: Williams and Tanner Bibee.
If Shane Bieber manages to come back strong in the second half, the Guardians will have a three-headed monster in the rotation.
Williams is starting to flirt with frontline starter territory and boasts a 2.82 ERA in his last seven starts.
Overall, his 3.58 ERA is very solid and gives the Guards some stability.
Now, if only the offense would show some semblance of consistency, Cleveland would have more of a chance to do some real damage.
NEXT: Bruce Drennan Has Honest Admission About Guardians' Divisional Chances
