The New York Yankees sit atop the American League East division after a winter full of major moves. But one of their biggest trade acquisitions is off to a concerning start.
Content to let All-Star reliever Clay Holmes find a new contract in free agency, the Yankees opted to trade starting pitcher Nestor Cortes, infielder Caleb Durbin and cash to the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for Devin Williams.
Williams has been one of the best closers in baseball throughout his career, earning two All-Star bids and two National League Reliever of the Year Awards in that span. But he has struggled in seven games for the Yankees so far, giving up eight earned runs in eight innings.
Most recently, Williams blew an 8-4 lead over the Tampa Bay Rays after entering the game in the bottom of the ninth.
Randy Miller of NJ Advance Media noted that hitters aren’t chasing Williams’ changeups and that he’s been struggling with giving up soft contact and walks. But he also noted that Williams might be struggling to adjust to the spotlight of playing in New York City.
“Worse yet — way worse, actually — is this: Williams doesn’t seem to be embracing the sideshows that come with being a Yankee,” Miller wrote. “With the media in earshot, he’s gripped about how many reporters have been in the Yankees clubhouse before and after games.”
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Though there seem to be some clear mechanical issues with Williams’ approach so far, the pressure of serving as the Yankees closer might be at the root of his rough start to the season.
“Williams doesn’t seem to be the kind of guy that will be able to handle a lot of boos if Yankees fans turn on him, and there will be a whole lot of Bronx cheers howled his way if he doesn’t start pitching like he can,” Miller added. “Some players are bothered by the noise from fans and media when there’s adversity.”
Given the cost of their recent trade and Williams’ track record with the Brewers, he should have ample opportunity to fix things on the mound. But he’s not going to be able to avoid the spotlight.
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