The New York Yankees have officially acquired reliever Devin Williams from the Milwaukee Brewers, a move announced on Friday. In exchange, the Yankees are sending pitcher Nestor Cortes Jr., infield prospect Caleb Durbin, and cash considerations to Milwaukee.
Devin Williams, 30 years old, achieved 14 saves in 22 appearances last season, despite missing the first three months due to a stress fracture in his back. After his return, he excelled, permitting just three earned runs over 21 2/3 innings during the regular season. His postseason performance included two appearances, and notably, he faced a challenging moment when he allowed a pivotal home run to Pete Alonso of the New York Mets, contributing to the Mets’ series-clinching comeback.
The Brewers opted against Williams’ $10.5 million contract option for the 2025 season, leading him into his final arbitration year. A two-time NL All-Star and the 2020 NL Rookie of the Year, Williams has spent his entire six-year career with the Brewers, amassing an impressive 68 saves with a 1.83 ERA and a 1.02 WHIP in 235 2/3 innings.
Williams’ arrival, alongside the anticipated return of Jonathan Loáisiga following Tommy John surgery, is expected to enhance the Yankees’ bullpen considerably. The team now faces a decision regarding who will step into the closer’s role in 2025—Williams or Luke Weaver, especially after Clay Holmes signed with the New York Mets last week.
Meanwhile, Nestor Cortes has established himself as a valuable starter for the Yankees over the past four seasons, making 84 starts and pitching 173 1/3 innings in 2024 alone. His trade signals the Yankees’ commitment to improving their rotation following the recent acquisition of Max Fried, one of the premier left-handed pitchers in the league, on an eight-year, $218 million deal.
This trade signifies a strategic move for New York, as they aim to build a formidable pitching staff. The reliance on high-caliber pitchers demonstrates the franchise’s recognition of the challenges in replacing offensive player Juan Soto and their focus on strengthening the mound to underpin future success.
For the Milwaukee Brewers, this trade aligns with their recent history of trading high-profile players like closer Josh Hader and ace Corbin Burnes. Although Williams was battling injuries in 2024, the Brewers have a proven track record of developing strong relief pitchers and may have candidates like Trevor Megill, who recorded 21 saves last season, ready to step into high-leverage roles.
While this deal may not significantly alter Milwaukee’s payroll, as both Cortes and Williams are projected to earn approximately $7.7 million in their final arbitration year, it does signal a commitment to improving their rotation. This strategic pivot reflects the Brewers’ intent to remain competitive in the NL Central while addressing their needs for quality innings.
In summary, this trade not only fortifies the Yankees’ bullpen but also keeps the Brewers in a competitive stance for the upcoming season, suggesting that both teams are strategically positioning themselves for future success. This can be seen as a refreshing turn for both franchises, spotlighting their commitment to building strong rosters in pursuit of championships.