Yankees Strengthen Bullpen with Devin Williams Acquisition

The New York Yankees have made a significant move to enhance their bullpen for the 2025 season by acquiring closer Devin Williams from the Milwaukee Brewers earlier this month.

Williams, widely regarded as one of the best relief pitchers in the game, expressed excitement about joining the Yankees, though he admitted that New York wasn't initially on his radar. "To be honest, I didn't really think so," Williams said when asked if he anticipated the trade to the Yankees. "I thought...I kinda thought I would be going to L.A. [Dodgers]. That's what I was being told and, you know, the Yankees snuck in there under the table and got the deal done." 

Williams was traded to the Yankees on December 13 in a deal that sent pitcher Nestor Cortes, second baseman Caleb Durbin, and cash considerations to the Brewers. The Yankees acquired a premier reliever, who, despite a shortened season due to a stress fracture in his back, posted an impressive 1.25 ERA with 38 strikeouts and 14 saves over 21.2 innings pitched in 2024.

When healthy, the 30-year-old Williams is one of the most reliable bullpen arms in the sport. His addition is expected to significantly bolster the Yankees' bullpen, providing them with a dependable closer for the upcoming season.