The New York Yankees made a lot of moves after losing Juan Soto this offseason, and the early returns look very promising.
Max Fried has been a Cy Young candidate, Paul Goldschmidt is playing at an All-Star level, and Cody Bellinger has found his groove after getting off to a slow start.
These newcomers have helped New York build a 5 1/2-game lead in the American League East, but the one offseason addition that hasn’t exactly panned out is Devin Williams.
A two-time National League Reliever of the Year, Williams was one of the best closers in baseball with the Milwaukee Brewers.
He had a sub-2.00 ERA across six seasons in Milwaukee, and his changeup was so nasty it had its own nickname (the Airbender).
The Yankees know a thing or two about dominant closers who possess an unhittable signature pitch (Mariano Rivera being Exhibit A), so they acquired Williams in a trade with the Brewers.
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The hope was that the two-time All-Star would continue to silence bats and collect saves, but that has not been the case.
Williams made a bad first impression in the Bronx, with an 11.25 ERA and two losses in his first 10 appearances in pinstripes.
Rather than being one of the best closers in baseball, Williams lost his role as closer altogether after just one month in New York.
While his numbers have improved since being demoted (2.45 ERA in 12 appearances), it might benefit both parties if the Yankees move Williams at the trade deadline.
Williams could benefit from a change of scenery, as MLB.com reporter Mark Feinsand points out. It might seem rash to give up on Williams already, but he will be a free agent after this season, and it seems unlikely he will stay in New York beyond 2025.
Luke Weaver has been sensational since being promoted to closer, posting a 1.05 ERA before landing on the injured list. Williams is back to being the ninth-inning man temporarily, but Weaver will reassume the role of closer once he recovers from his hamstring injury.
The Yankees could keep Williams as the closer until Weaver returns, and then look to trade Williams so they don’t risk losing him for nothing this offseason.
More MLB: Yankees may soon cut ties with two-time All-Star, swallow rest of $18.5M salary
