The New York Yankees have already made a splash this offseason after missing out on Juan Soto, and more big moves could be on the horizon. Just days after Soto inked a record-breaking $765 million deal with the New York Mets, the Yankees set another milestone by signing Max Fried to the largest contract ever for a left-handed pitcher—$218 million. However, if the Yankees aim to return to the World Series in 2025 and secure a championship, they might need to bolster their roster further.
MLB Network’s Mark DeRosa has speculated on a potential blockbuster move, predicting that the Yankees will acquire two-time All-Star closer Devin Williams from the Milwaukee Brewers. “Devin Williams, pack your bags. We’re not staying in Milwaukee,” DeRosa said. “I think you and Luke Weaver will be in that Yankee bullpen throwing absolute gas. Devin Williams to the Yankees makes perfect sense to me.”
If Williams were to land in the Bronx, he could step in as the Yankees’ closer for the 2025 season. However, this scenario feels less certain now than it might have a year ago. Williams has an impressive resume, including two All-Star appearances, two NL Reliever of the Year Awards, a Rookie of the Year title, and multiple MVP votes. Yet, injuries sidelined him at the start of last season, and while he managed 14 saves with a 1.25 ERA in 19 regular-season games, his performance under pressure raised concerns. During the Brewers’ Wild Card series against the Mets, Williams allowed four earned runs in 1 2/3 innings, finishing with a 21.60 ERA.
Despite his uneven postseason showing, Williams, in his final year of arbitration eligibility, remains a valuable trade asset. If the Yankees can acquire him at the right price, he could form a dynamic late-inning duo with Weaver. Should he regain his dominant form from 2023, Williams might well become a World Series-caliber closer for New York.
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