The New York Yankees have completed a trade with the Milwaukee Brewers, acquiring All-Star closer Devin Williams in exchange for left-handed pitcher Nestor Cortes and infield prospect Caleb Durbin. As part of the deal, the Yankees are also sending more than $1 million to the Brewers, according to a source who requested anonymity since the transaction has yet to be formally announced.
Devin Williams, a 30-year-old right-handed pitcher known for his exceptional “Airbender” changeup, will be a valuable addition to the Yankees’ bullpen. He is eligible for free agency after the 2025 season. Despite being diagnosed with two stress fractures in his back during spring training, which delayed his season debut to July 28, Williams excelled, successfully converting 14 out of 15 save chances with an impressive 1.25 ERA, while striking out 38 batters in just over 21 innings of work.
Williams’ performance has been consistent over his six-year career, featuring a solid record of 27 wins, 10 losses, a 1.83 ERA, and 68 saves in 78 opportunities. His strikeout rate of 375 across 241 games showcases his ability to dominate hitters.
On the other hand, Nestor Cortes, who was an All-Star in 2022, had a challenging 2023 season due to injuries, limiting him to just one start after May 30. Despite his struggles, Cortes has shown promise with a career record of 33 wins and 21 losses alongside a 3.80 ERA over his seven-year career. He will be eligible for arbitration and can become a free agent after the 2024 season.
Caleb Durbin, who turns 25 in February, had a strong performance at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre this past year, hitting .287 with 10 home runs, 60 RBIs, and 29 stolen bases. His versatility and potential have been recognized by Yankees manager Aaron Boone, who praised his skills on the diamond.
This trade signifies the Yankees’ commitment to strengthening their pitching staff as they prepare for the upcoming seasons. With the recent acquisition of left-hander Max Fried and a talented rotation including ace Gerrit Cole and others, the Yankees appear poised to enhance their playoff prospects.
In conclusion, this trade could be a pivotal move for both teams, highlighting the potential for Williams to shine in New York while allowing the Brewers to capitalizing on their assets in return. For fans of the Yankees, this is an exciting development as the team builds towards a strong future.