The New York Yankees have finalized a trade to acquire All-Star closer Devin Williams from the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for left-handed pitcher Nestor Cortes and infield prospect Caleb Durbin, as confirmed by a source familiar with the deal. In addition, the Yankees are sending over $1 million to the Brewers as part of the transaction. The trade was first reported by MLB.com and remains pending official announcement.
Devin Williams, a 30-year-old right-hander known for his outstanding “Airbender” changeup, notably missed the beginning of the 2023 season due to two stress fractures in his back. He made his first appearance of the season on July 28 and went on to successfully convert 14 of 15 save opportunities while posting an impressive 1.25 ERA over 21 2/3 innings. With a fastball averaging 94.7 mph, Williams struck out 38 batters while walking 11 throughout the season. He has garnered All-Star selections in both 2022 and 2023 and has an impressive track record with a career ERA of 1.83.
Milwaukee recently declined a $10.5 million club option on Williams, choosing instead to buy him out for $250,000, which allows him to seek arbitration moving forward.
On the other hand, Nestor Cortes, also 30, was an All-Star in 2022 and had a strong season that year with a 12-4 record and a 2.44 ERA across 28 starts. However, injuries plagued him in 2023, limiting him to just one start after May 30. He returned for the World Series but faced challenges in his outing. Over his career, Cortes has recorded a 3.80 ERA with a balance of 86 starts and 49 relief appearances.
Caleb Durbin, a rising prospect, had a solid Triple-A season with a .287 batting average, 10 home runs, and 60 RBIs, showcasing his versatility by playing multiple infield positions as well as making strides in outfield play. Yankees manager Aaron Boone has expressed confidence in Durbin’s skills, noting his outstanding base stealing and defensive capabilities.
As the Yankees bolster their roster with Williams, they are aiming for a stronger pitching lineup ahead of the new season. The trade underlines New York’s commitment to building a competitive team for 2024, especially following their pending agreement with left-hander Max Fried.
This move has the potential to enhance the Yankees’ performance while providing Williams with an opportunity to shine on a larger stage as he approaches free agency after 2025. The acquisition reflects a strategic shift as the Yankees emphasize their bullpen strength for the future.
In summary, this trade marks an important development for both teams as they position themselves for success in the upcoming seasons.