Guardians’ Gavin Williams continues to show he’s figured out his biggest red flag

Gavin Williams’ starts are quickly becoming must-see TV in Northeast Ohio. While every start may not reach the same level as his one last August when he came within two outs of tossing a no-hitter against the Mets, his dominance on the mound is quickly becoming one of the best stories of the Guardians’ season. 

And we got another example of that dominance on Wednesday when Williams tossed 7 2/3 strong innings in the Guardians 3-1 win over the Rays. 

And not only did he toss 7 2/3 dominant innings, but he did so without allowing any walks. It’s the fourth straight start where he issued fewer walks than the opposing starter (Drew Rasmussen had one), along with being another tangible example of how Williams seems to have figured out the command problems that plagued him last season. 

Gavin Williams could be even better for the Guardians in 2026

Even though Williams clearly struggled with walks last season (he allowed an MLB-leading 83 free passes), he still posted a 3.06 ERA in 167 2/3 innings in a breakout season. 

But he’s been even better this season, and now has a 2.70 ERA in 43 1/3 innings and leads MLB in wins (five) and strikeouts (53). 

Williams called his start against the Rays the best of his career, and it’s hard to argue with him. He was able to keep hitters in the rocking chair all afternoon (five whiffs with his fastball and sweeper) and used his curveball to attack left-handers and his sinker against right-handers. 

Tampa’s only run came in the seventh inning when Williams allowed a one-out single to Yandy Díaz, who came around to score on a throwing error from Travis Bazzana that ended up in deep left field. 

But Williams was able to negate any scoring chances outside of that in large part to the lack of free passes that he allowed. In fact, it snapped a streak of 45 starts where he had allowed at least one walk. 

Williams set the tone for the Guardians’ rotation by tossing seven shutout innings against the Dodgers in his second start of the year, and he’s been able to carry that momentum over into the rest of his starts this season. 

That momentum has been matched by rookie Parker Messick, who has a 1.73 ERA in 36 1/3 innings this year and has been the Guardians’ co-ace alongside Williams. 

While Williams was the Guardians’ best pitcher last season, that came in spite of those struggles with his command. Imagine how good he could be this season if he continues to limit the amount of free passes he gives out. 

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow