Yankees Trade for All-Star Closer Devin Williams in High-Stakes Deal
Yankees Trade for All-Star Closer Devin Williams in High-Stakes Deal
In a significant move aimed at bolstering their bullpen, the New York Yankees have acquired All-Star closer Devin Williams from the Milwaukee Brewers. The trade sees the Brewers securing left-handed pitcher Nestor Cortes, promising infield prospect Caleb Durbin, and cash considerations.
This trade is particularly noteworthy as the Yankees look to address their acute bullpen needs following the loss of Clay Holmes to the New York Mets. In Devin Williams, they have secured a formidable weapon in relief. Williams, a 30-year-old right-hander, has been a dominant force with a career ERA+ of 232 and a FIP of 2.39 over six seasons with Milwaukee. His strikeout ability is well-documented, with nearly 40% of opposing hitters falling victim to his mastery on the mound. Even in the 2024 season, Williams exhibited his prowess with an impressive ERA of 1.25, striking out 38 batters in just over 21 innings.
However, Williams has had his fair share of challenges. The past season saw him sidelined for four months with a stress fracture in his back, and he has a history of shoulder, calf, elbow, and hand injuries. Nevertheless, his resilience and performance upon return demonstrate his ability to overcome adversity and deliver when it matters most.
With Williams entering his walk year in 2025, the Yankees have a year of team control remaining, offering them a pivotal season to evaluate and possibly secure him for the long term. It's a strategic acquisition by a team known for aiming high, especially as they continue to strengthen their rotation with the signing of Max Fried, another high-profile addition meant to enhance rotation depth.
Brewers' New Arsenal: Nestor Cortes and Caleb Durbin
On the other side of the trade, the Milwaukee Brewers have acquired Nestor Cortes, a versatile pitcher who has proven his worth both as a starter and a reliever. The 30-year-old is coming off a solid season where he posted a notable ERA of 3.77 over 174 innings. Over his career, Cortes holds an ERA+ of 110 and a FIP of 4.10, underscoring his reliability on the mound. With 86 starts and 49 relief appearances, Cortes offers the Brewers valuable flexibility and experience.
Cortes is entering the final year of his arbitration eligibility and is slated to become a free agent after the 2025 season, which may incentivize the Brewers to explore long-term options should he thrive in his new environment.
Additionally, the Brewers receive Caleb Durbin, an intriguing infield prospect at just 24 years old. Durbin has had a promising minor-league career with a slash line of .269/.374/.407 across four seasons. His ability to get on base is complemented by his speed, having amassed 110 stolen bases across 281 games. Notably, Durbin boasts more walks than strikeouts in his career, a testament to his patience and discipline at the plate. Last season, he reached Triple-A and showcased his talents in the Arizona Fall League, marking him as a prospect with considerable upside.
Durbin, a 14th-round pick from Washington University in St. Louis, adds depth to the Brewers' infield prospect pool and may soon press for a spot on the major league roster if his development continues apace.
A Trade of Strategic Necessity
This transaction underscores the Yankees’ urgency to shore up their bullpen and rotation after recent departures and injuries. By acquiring Williams, they secure an elite closer to anchor the bullpen and potentially pivot crucial games in their favor. The addition of Max Fried also signals a firm commitment to strengthen their rotation, seeking to mitigate past vulnerabilities.
For the Brewers, gaining Cortes and Durbin enriches their roster with a mix of immediate impact and future promise. Cortes’ presence could stabilize their pitching staff, and Durbin’s potential adds a layer of depth that could be pivotal in coming seasons.
As both franchises chart their paths forward, this trade represents a strategic alignment with their respective goals—whether it's the Yankees' quest for an immediate postseason push or the Brewers' balanced focus on present competitiveness and future development.
