The New York Yankees announced a significant trade with the Milwaukee Brewers on Friday, acquiring All-Star closer Devin Williams. In return, the Brewers received left-handed starter Nestor Cortes, infield prospect Caleb Durbin, and some financial considerations.
Devin Williams, 30, is coming off a season with restricted playing time due to injuries but still managed to maintain an impressive ERA of 1.25 with 38 strikeouts over 21.2 innings in 2024. As he approaches his walk year in 2025, the Yankees will have him under their control for one more season, which could be valuable as they bolster their bullpen. Throughout his six years in the MLB, all with Milwaukee, Williams has demonstrated elite performance, with a stellar career ERA+ of 232 and a FIP of 2.39. Notably, he has succeeded in striking out an extraordinary 39.4% of batters faced, making him one of the standout late-game relievers in the league.
Despite his accolades, Williams has faced various health challenges, including a severe back injury that sidelined him for four months last season. He has also dealt with shoulder, calf, and elbow issues that raised concerns about his durability. Nevertheless, his remarkable track record includes three consecutive seasons with sub-2.00 ERAs and a fastball coupled with a formidable changeup.
The Yankees’ recent addition of Max Fried to their rotation allowed them to make this trade, especially after losing Clay Holmes to the Mets, which created an opening for a strong reliever.
On the Brewers’ side, they acquired Nestor Cortes, a seasoned left-handed starter known for his versatile pitching ability. Now 30 years old, Cortes has a career ERA+ of 110 and a FIP of 4.10, including a solid 2023 season in which he recorded a 3.77 ERA over 174.1 innings of work. He will be arbitration-eligible for the last time in 2025.
The Brewers also gained a promising asset in Caleb Durbin, a 24-year-old infielder with significant minor league success, including a solid slash line of .269/.374/.407. With 110 stolen bases in 281 games and an impressive discipline shown by having more walks than strikeouts, Durbin is seen as a valuable multi-position player who reached Triple-A this season.
This trade represents a strategic shift for both teams, emphasizing the Yankees’ commitment to enhancing their bullpen while providing the Brewers with valuable pitching depth and promising prospects. The move could position both organizations favorably for their future endeavors as they gear up for the upcoming season. Overall, the trade brings optimism for the Yankees as they add an elite reliever and for the Brewers as they strengthen their roster with a mix of experience and youth.