ARLINGTON, Texas — The Texas Rangers signed right-hander Trevor Williams to a major league contract Tuesday. The Washington Nationals had released him on Sunday.
Williams, 34, will wear No. 51. He said left-hander MacKenzie Gore, a teammate for three seasons in Washington, had been recruiting him to Texas all season.
Shawn McFarland of The Dallas Morning News reported Williams’ comments from Globe Life Field.
Williams grew up in San Diego and pitched at Rancho Bernardo High School there. Between jobs, he played catch at a San Diego high school to stay ready.
“All year, MacKenzie has been blowing up my phone, about how great Texas is,” Williams said.
Trevor Williams’ Path From Washington To The Texas Rangers
The Rangers announced the signing at 10:30 a.m. CT, the day active rosters expand from 26 to 28 players. Washington designated Williams for assignment on Aug. 25, in the middle of a series against Texas, and released him Sunday.
Williams was in the second season of a two-year, $14 million contract with Washington, which remains responsible for the bulk of the salary. Texas owes him the prorated major league minimum for his time on the active roster.
Williams has pitched 8 times this season, all in relief, and has a 2.65 ERA. He allowed 15 hits and 5 earned runs in 17 innings, with 6 walks and 22 strikeouts.
Williams had internal brace surgery on his right ulnar collateral ligament in July 2025 and missed the first half of this season. He made 6 rehab appearances in the Nationals minor league system. Washington activated him in late July.
His last outing at Globe Life Field came Aug. 18, when he worked 3.1 scoreless innings for the Nationals and allowed 2 hits with 1 walk and 5 strikeouts.
Williams is 53-65 with a 4.43 ERA over 11 seasons, making 227 appearances and 178 starts. He has thrown 1,026 innings and struck out 847.
Miami drafted Williams in the second round in 2013 out of Arizona State. He debuted with the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sept. 7, 2016, and pitched for Pittsburgh through 2020, the Chicago Cubs and New York Mets in 2021, the Mets in 2022, and Washington beginning in 2023.
MacKenzie Gore’s Season For The Texas Rangers
Gore, a 2025 All-Star, came to Texas from Washington on Jan. 22 in a trade for five prospects headlined by Gavin Fien, the No. 12 pick in the 2025 draft. Gore is making $5.6 million this season and is under club control through 2027. He is 7-10 with a 4.40 ERA in 28 starts, with 135 hits and 73 earned runs allowed in 149.1 innings, 56 walks, and 165 strikeouts.
Texas is 68-70 and second in the American League West. Gore starts against the Athletics on Tuesday, with first pitch at 7:05 p.m. CT.
