The New York Yankees have made a significant addition to their bullpen by acquiring reliever Devin Williams from the Milwaukee Brewers. The trade, confirmed on Friday, involves the Yankees sending pitcher Nestor Cortes Jr., infield prospect Caleb Durbin, and some cash to Milwaukee.
Williams, who is 30 years old, had an impressive 2024 season despite missing the initial months due to a stress fracture in his back. He recorded 14 saves in 22 appearances, allowing only three earned runs over 21 2/3 innings. His postseason performance included two appearances, though he faced challenges, notably giving up a crucial home run to Pete Alonso in the third game against the New York Mets. Following this season, the Brewers opted to decline Williams’ $10.5 million option for the 2025 season, entering him into his final year of arbitration.
Throughout his six seasons with the Brewers, Williams emerged as an elite closer, achieving 68 saves with a remarkable 1.83 ERA and 1.02 WHIP. The Yankees’ acquisition of Williams, combined with the returning Jonathan Loáisiga—recovering from Tommy John surgery—aims to strengthen the team’s bullpen, particularly in light of Clay Holmes’ recent signing with the New York Mets, which left the Yankees looking for a closer as they prepare for the 2025 season.
Cortes has established himself as a dependable starter for the Yankees and has made 84 starts over the last four seasons. However, with the addition of Max Fried under an eight-year, $218 million deal, the Yankees had to make a move, resulting in Cortes being traded.
This trade signals a strategic approach by the Yankees. Instead of trying to replace the offensive impact of former player Juan Soto, they are focusing on assembling top-tier pitching talent to create a robust rotation and bullpen, which could serve as a foundation for future success.
On the Brewers’ side, the deal mirrors past moves where star pitchers like Josh Hader and Corbin Burnes were traded, indicating a willingness to restructure while still remaining competitive. They appear to be fostering fresh talent for high-pressure situations, with Trevor Megill seen as a potential successor to Williams’ closing role.
Although Williams’ trade marks the end of an era for the Brewers, it allows Milwaukee to allocate resources towards their pitching rotation, an area they aim to bolster as they continue their pursuit of success within the NL Central.
Looking ahead, the Yankees’ recent transactions showcase their commitment to building a dominant team, and with the potential for both pressure arms and a solid rotation, they may be well-positioned for a strong showing in the upcoming seasons.
In summary, the Yankees have made a bold move to enhance their pitching staff by acquiring a proven closer in Devin Williams, while the Brewers strategically navigate their roster to maintain competitiveness, illustrating the dynamism of Major League Baseball as teams make calculated decisions to secure their futures.