The Yankees have long coveted Devin Williams, with general manager Brian Cashman confirming prior unsuccessful attempts to acquire the star closer. On Friday, the team finally secured Williams from the Brewers in a trade that sent left-hander Nestor Cortes, infielder Caleb Durbin, and cash considerations to Milwaukee. This high-profile acquisition bolsters the Yankees’ bullpen for the 2025 season, giving them a two-time All-Star and former National League Reliever of the Year. Williams’ stellar track record and formidable arsenal make him an exciting addition to New York’s roster.
Williams, 30, has built an impressive résumé, including National League Rookie of the Year honors in 2020 and Reliever of the Year awards in 2021 and 2023. Known for his explosive fastball and devastating changeup, Williams excels in generating soft contact, strikeouts, and ground balls. In the 2024 season, he posted a remarkable 1.25 ERA in 22 appearances, despite dealing with back injuries that delayed his season debut. However, his postseason struggles, including a blown save in the NL Wild Card Series, highlight some challenges. With one year of arbitration eligibility remaining, the Yankees have yet to discuss a long-term extension with their new closer.
Reshaping the Yankees’ Bullpen
The addition of Williams signifies a strategic shift for the Yankees’ bullpen. Luke Weaver, initially expected to serve as closer, will now transition to a setup role. Meanwhile, Jonathan Loáisiga, recovering from Tommy John surgery, is expected to return midseason. The team’s bullpen depth will be critical, especially after losing key contributors like Clay Holmes to the Mets and free agents Tim Hill and Tommy Kahnle. Cashman emphasized Williams’ exceptional talent and ability to handle high-pressure situations, underscoring his value as a marquee closer in a competitive division.
In exchange for Williams, the Brewers receive left-hander Nestor Cortes, who brings experience and reliability to their pitching rotation. Despite a challenging postseason appearance, where he surrendered a walk-off grand slam in the World Series, Cortes proved dependable during the 2024 season, compiling a 3.77 ERA over 174 1/3 innings. A former All-Star, Cortes has been a key figure for the Yankees over five seasons, but the team’s recent acquisition of Max Fried made him expendable. The Brewers now have a proven starter under team control for one more season before free agency.
Infielder Caleb Durbin, also included in the trade, leaves the Yankees after a breakout season. Durbin shone in Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, batting .287 with 10 homers and 60 RBIs. He further elevated his profile with an impressive Arizona Fall League performance, setting a new stolen base record with 29 steals in just 24 games. Despite being a strong candidate for New York’s second base position, Durbin’s departure clears a path for other internal options, such as Oswaldo Cabrera and Oswald Peraza, while the Yankees explore external additions like free agent Alex Bregman.
The trade for Williams reflects the Yankees’ aggressive approach to improving their roster ahead of the 2025 season. Alongside acquiring Max Fried and reshaping their bullpen, the team continues to evaluate potential upgrades at third base. Cashman acknowledged the work still to be done, emphasizing the importance of building a championship-caliber roster. With Williams anchoring the bullpen and a strengthened rotation, the Yankees are positioning themselves as serious contenders in the American League, determined to reclaim their status as perennial World Series favorites.
