DEVIN WILLIAMS ACQUISITION: YANKEES BOLSTER BULLPEN WITH ALL-STAR CLOSER

DEVIN WILLIAMS ACQUISITION: YANKEES BOLSTER BULLPEN WITH ALL-STAR CLOSER

 

New York, NY – The New York Yankees made a significant move to bolster their bullpen on Wednesday, acquiring All-Star closer Devin Williams from the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for a pair of prospects. The move is a major upgrade to the Yankees’ relief corps and provides the team with a dominant closer to anchor the bullpen.

 

Who is Devin Williams?

 

Devin Williams is a 29-year-old right-handed pitcher who was drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 2nd round of the 2013 MLB Draft. Williams made his major league debut with the Brewers in 2019 and quickly established himself as one of the top relievers in the National League.

 

Over the past three seasons, Williams has been nearly unhittable, posting a 1.59 ERA and striking out 14.4 batters per nine innings. Williams has also been named to two All-Star teams and has finished in the top five in National League Relief Man of the Year voting twice.

 

What Does Williams Bring to the Yankees?

 

Devin Williams brings a number of skills to the Yankees that will make him a valuable addition to the team. Here are a few things that Williams brings to the table:

 

– _Dominant Stuff_: Williams has a dominant fastball that averages over 96 mph, as well as a sharp slider and a changeup that has been nearly unhittable at times.

– _Clutch Performer_: Williams has a reputation for coming through in big situations, with a career 1.45 ERA in high-pressure situations.

– _Experience as a Closer_: Williams has experience as a closer, having saved 63 games over the past three seasons.

– _Durability_: Williams has been one of the most durable relievers in the National League over the past three seasons, averaging over 70 appearances per season.

 

What Did the Yankees Give Up?

 

The Yankees gave up a pair of prospects, including right-hander Hayden Wesneski and outfielder Elijah Dunham, to acquire Devin Williams. Wesneski is a 25-year-old pitcher who was drafted by the Yankees in the 6th round of the 2019 MLB Draft. Dunham is a 23-year-old outfielder who was drafted by the Yankees in the 1st round of the 2020 MLB Draft.

 

Reaction from the Yankees’ Front Office

 

“We are thrilled to add Devin Williams to our bullpen,” said Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman. “Devin is a dominant reliever who has a proven track record of success in the major leagues. We believe he will be a great fit for our team and will help us compete for a championship in 2025.”

 

Reaction from Williams

 

“I’m excited to join the Yankees and be a part of such a storied franchise,” said Williams. “I’m looking forward to pitching in front of the great fans in New York and helping the team win a championship.”

 

What’s Next for the Yankees?

 

The acquisition of Devin Williams is a significant upgrade to the Yankees’ bullpen and provides the team with a dominant closer to anchor the relief corps. With Williams on board, the Yankees are expected to be a top contender in the American League East in 2025.

 

The Yankees will likely enter spring training with a bullpen that features Williams as the closer, with Aroldis Chapman, Clay Holmes, and Jonathan Loáisiga serving as setup men. With a strong lineup and a deep pitching staff, the Yankees are expected to be a major force in the American League in 2025.