The New York Yankees made a flurry of moves in the offseason after they lost Juan Soto to the New York Mets. Not all of their moves are working out.
The Yankees acquired Devin Williams from the Milwaukee Brewers. However, he has been stripped of his closer role and has a 9.24 ERA this season. His struggles are unprecedented, as he had a 1.83 ERA before the season. He is a two-time All-Star and two-time Trevor Hoffman Award winner.
FanSided’s Rucker Haringey suggested that the Yankees could trade Williams at the trade deadline, but it would be indicative of a bigger problem with the team.
“There’s no reason to think he’s suddenly lost the ability to pitch at a high level during his age-30 season,” wrote Haringey. “That might not be what Yankees fans frustrated with their new closer want to hear but it’s Cashman’s job to avoid the whims of the team’s passionate fan base. Any path to postseason glory for the Yankees in 2025 will depend on Williams’ ability to find his best stuff and reassert himself as one of MLB’s best closers. If the Yankees trade him before he hits free agency it might represent disaster for the team and the big-name closer.”
The Yankees have tried to stay patient with Williams. They thought they were getting a shutdown closer, but instead have gotten the worst version of him. He is struggling with command, and his borderline unhittable change up, coined “the airbender,” does not look as good as it has in the past.
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The team has turned to Luke Weaver to carry the load while Williams works his way back to dominance. Trading him is not off the table if he continues to struggle, but especially if the Yankees fall out of contention before the trade deadline.
“The more likely outcome for the Yankees and Williams is that they try to work together to get him back on track,” wrote Haringey. “The franchise needs him to do that whether it’s to help them win games or maximize his trade value. At his best, Williams still profiles as a dominant reliever who can help galvanize the Yankees’ bullpen.”
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