- MLB. The star who got away from the Yankees because they trusted Juan Soto not to betray them
- MLB. Juan Soto's departure from Yankees not due to for Donald Trump
The New York Yankees have made a significant move by acquiring Milwaukee Brewers All-Star closer Devin Williams in exchange for starting pitcher Nestor Cortes and utility Caleb Durbin. The trade also includes the Yankees sending cash to cover a portion of Cortes' salary.
Both Williams and Cortes are set to become free agents at the end of the 2025 season. This trade follows the Yankees' reluctance to commit to Luke Weaver as their closer for 2025, despite his impressive performance out of the bullpen in 2024. Manager Aaron Boone expressed confidence in Weaver's abilities, hinting at the team's plans to enhance their bullpen further.
Williams, who debuted in 2019, has established himself as one of MLB's premier closers. With a 1.83 ERA, the second-best among qualified relievers, and a 14.32 K/9 rate, Williams addresses the Yankees' need for strikeout power in their bullpen.
This acquisition allows the Yankees to utilize Weaver in a multi-inning role where he thrived in 2024, creating a potent combination for closing out games. The Yankees are also looking to add more relievers, with a particular interest in re-g left-hander Tim Hill.
With New York's recent re-g of Jonathan Loáisiga and Luke Weaver's breakout season in 2024, Williams gives the Yankees a third formidable late-game weapon out of the bullpen.
Williams seems likely to be called upon to retire the final three opposing hitters, perhaps giving skipper Aaron Boone the flexibility to deploy Weaver as a multi-inning destroyer. Weaver was excellent in the ninth down the stretch as New York won the pennant, but this new role might be even more beneficial to Boone and the team.
The second notable aspect of this deal is the return headed to Milwaukee. It will be tough for Yankees fans to say goodbye to Nestor Cortes.