Williams Jerez

Williams Alexander Jerez ( born May 16, 1992) is a Dominican professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. He was a 2nd round selection in the 2011 MLB draft by the Boston Red Sox. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Los Angeles Angels, San Francisco Giants, and Pittsburgh Pirates.

Early life Jerez was born in Santiago de los Caballeros in the Dominican Republic. During his childhood, he was primarily a pitcher.

Initially attempting to enroll at Gregorio Luperón High School in Manhattan, Jerez later enrolled at Grand Street Campus in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Jerez won the PSAL Wingate Award, given to the top senior in each sport. His skill set drew comparisons to Carlos Beltrán. He received a baseball scholarship to San Jacinto College in Texas. Jerez started his career as an outfielder, but was converted to a pitcher during extended spring training in 2014. Overall, he went 5–3 with a 2.54 ERA and four saves in a career-high 41 games during the three stints.

He opened 2017 at Portland, where he went 2–0 with four saves and 3.10 ERA in 29 games before joining the Triple-A Pawtucket Red Sox in the month of August. He appeared in nine games with the PawSox, going 0–2 with a 3.75 ERA in 12 innings. On November 2, 2017, the Red Sox added Jerez to their 40-man roster. He began the 2018 season with Triple-A Pawtucket.

Los Angeles Angels On July 31, 2018, the Red Sox traded Jerez and pitcher Ty Buttrey to the Los Angeles Angels for second baseman Ian Kinsler. On August 7, the Angels called up Jerez and he made his major league debut, pitching two scoreless innings against the Detroit Tigers. For 2018 with the Angels, he was 0-0 with a 6.00 ERA, and 15 strikeouts in 15 innings.

San Francisco Giants On March 26, 2019, Jerez was traded to the San Francisco Giants in exchange for Chris Stratton. He made 6 appearances for the Giants, recording a 2.70 ERA with 4 strikeouts across innings of work. On September 10, Jerez was designated for assignment by San Francisco.

Pittsburgh Pirates On September 13, 2019, Jerez was claimed off waivers by the Pittsburgh Pirates. In 6 games for Pittsburgh, he struggled to a 7.36 ERA with 5 strikeouts across innings pitched. On November 27, Jerez was removed from the 40–man roster and sent outright to the Triple–A Indianapolis Indians.

Jerez did not play in a game in 2020 due to the cancellation of the minor league season because of the COVID-19 pandemic. He elected free agency after the on September 28, 2020.

Seattle Mariners On May 21, 2021, Jerez signed a minor league contract with the Seattle Mariners. In 19 appearances for the Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers, Jerez struggled to an 11.32 ERA with 23 strikeouts. On August 5, Jerez was released by the Mariners.

Staten Island FerryHawks On April 20, 2022, Jerez signed with the Staten Island FerryHawks of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. Jerez made 6 appearances for the FerryHawks, struggling to an 0-2 record and 19.29 ERA with 4 strikeouts in innings pitched. He became a free agent following the season.

Charleston Dirty Birds On April 7, 2023, Jerez signed with the Charleston Dirty Birds of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. In 31 games for Charleston, he struggled to a 7.29 ERA with 39 strikeouts in innings pitched. On July 31, Jerez was released by the Dirty Birds.

Toros de Tijuana On January 9, 2024, Jerez signed with the Toros de Tijuana of the Mexican League. In 10 games for the Toros, he struggled to a 10.29 ERA with 9 strikeouts across 7 innings pitched. On May 16, Jerez was released by Tijuana.

Guerreros de Oaxaca On June 1, 2024, Jerez signed with the Guerreros de Oaxaca of the Mexican League. In 22 games (1 start) for Oaxaca, he struggled to a 8.10 ERA with 22 strikeouts across 20 innings pitched. Jerez was released by the Guerreros on February 21, 2025.

Pericos de Puebla On June 22, 2025, Jerez signed with the Pericos de Puebla of the Mexican League. He made 22 appearances for the Pericos, logging a 3-1 record and 3.80 ERA with 17 strikeouts across innings of relief. Jerez was released by Puebla on January 4, 2026.

Player profile Jerez throws a fastball in the low 90s, topping out at 97 miles per hour. He also throws a slider and changeup, both with low 80s velocity.