Gavin Williams Had Dominant Stretch Last Season

The Cleveland Guardians are counting on several young pitchers to take important steps forward in 2026, and Gavin Williams is one of the most promising candidates. The right-hander showed flashes of dominance during the 2025 season, particularly in the second half. His late-season surge gave fans a glimpse of what he may be capable of when everything is working.

Williams dealt with some inconsistency early in the year as he worked to settle into a rhythm. Like many young pitchers, he had to make adjustments as opposing hitters began to learn his tendencies. Over time, however, he started to find his groove and looked much more comfortable on the mound.

Those improvements were especially noticeable during the second half of the season.

According to SleeperGuardians on X, Williams delivered some outstanding numbers over that stretch.

“Gavin Williams in the 2nd half last season: 2.18 ERA, .188 OBA, 1.05 WHIP, 78 SO,” the account posted.

Gavin Williams in the 2nd half last season:

🔺2.18 ERA
🔺.188 OBA
🔺1.05 WHIP
🔺78 SO

ACE. #GuardsBall pic.twitter.com/S2TXwqbkEc

— SleeperGuardians (@SleeperGuards) March 5, 2026

Those statistics highlight just how effective Williams became as the season progressed. A 2.18 ERA is an elite mark over any extended period, and it shows that he was able to consistently limit opposing offenses.

Equally impressive were his strikeouts. Williams recorded 78 during that stretch, reinforcing the idea that his stuff can overwhelm hitters when he is at his best.

For the Guardians, Williams’ strong finish could be a sign of what lies ahead. Cleveland has built its identity around developing talented pitchers, and Williams fits perfectly into that tradition. If he continues building on the adjustments he made late last season, he could emerge as one of the key anchors in the team’s rotation.

With the new season approaching, the Guardians will be hoping Williams carries that momentum forward. Based on how he finished last year, there is plenty of reason to believe the young right-hander could play a major role in Cleveland’s pitching staff in 2026.