New York Yankees closer Devin Williams has struggled mightily this season, leaving many to believe he could potentially be waived if it continues, with the St. Louis Cardinals being mentioned as a potential landing spot if it happens.
After being one of the best relievers in baseball for most of the 2020’s, Williams has endured a nightmare season in his first with the Yankees. He’s pitching to a 3-5 record with a 5.48 ERA this season, and has lost the closer role to the newly-acquired David Bednar. Williams will be a free agent after this season.
FanSided’s Robert Murray made the case for Williams to be a waiver wire candidate if the Yankees opt to go that route, which seems increasingly likely with each poor outing.
“Williams has been a disaster of epic proportions in the Bronx and seems very likely to be a one-and-done,” Murray said. “A change of scenery is definitely needed in the offseason, and considering his struggles and the number of high-end relievers on the roster, I wonder if the Yanks could consider putting Williams on waivers. Again, just my speculation. It’s not something I’ve heard. But his stint in the Bronx has been so bad that I wonder if it’s a possibility they could consider.”
As such, some have speculated the St. Louis Cardinals could be a good landing spot for Williams. Sports Illustrated’s Zach Pressnell gave his reasoning for the Cardinals being a good destination, noting the team’s loss of closer Ryan Helsley to the New York Mets.
“The Cardinals have an outside shot at the postseason and adding Williams would come with no risks,” Pressnell wrote. “Adding Williams would give the Cardinals a replacement for Ryan Helsley for the last few weeks of the season.”
While there is currently no indication that the Yankees will waive Williams, as he continues to slip further and further down the pecking order of their bullpen, the possibility becomes more realistic with each passing day.
