Expectations were high for right-handed reliever Devin Williams in his first season with the New York Yankees. Little went according to plan for the previously dominant closer, and the season was quite uneven, including losing his job at the back end of the New York bullpen.
Williams will be eligible for free agency for the first time in his career after the World Series, but the 31-year-old hopes to stay with the Yankees.
“It was a challenge at first, but I’ve grown to love being here,” Williams said told reporters after Wednesday’s season-ending loss to Toronto, via Ronald Blum of the AP. “I love this city. I love taking the train to the field every day. Yes, I really enjoyed my experience here.”
Devin Williams’ difficult start in New York
The Yankees acquired Williams from the Milwaukee Brewers in December 2024. Left-hander Nestor Cortes, infielder Caleb Durbin and $2 million in cash were sent to Milwaukee to complete the deal.
Williams’ tenure with the Yankees got off to a shaky start. Williams made his opening day debut against his former team and loaded the bases with no outs, drawing boos from Yankees fans on just 18 career pitches in pinstripes. Williams would allow a run before striking out two to get out of trouble, preserving a 4-2 Yankees win.
His production on the mound remained inconsistent. Williams started the year as Aaron Boone’s first-round pick in the ninth inning, but quickly found himself in a different role. New York ultimately focused on the bullpen leading up to the July trade deadline, adding a trio of relievers to reduce their dependence on Williams in the late innings.
Williams showed stretches where he resembled his old self — a two-time All-Star and two-time Relief Pitcher of the Year Award winner who had a 1.83 ERA (231 ERA+) during his six seasons in Milwaukee — but they were often bookended by prolonged struggles. He would finish his first season in New York with a 4.79 ERA (85 ERA+) over 62.0 IP with 18 saves.
The Yankees face bullpen questions
David Bednar, one of the weapons the Yankees acquired in July, finished the season as New York’s first choice in the 9th inning and will be back with the team next season. Williams may have to consider how much he wants to play in the closer role next season as he weighs his options on the market, but there could still be a place for him in New York’s bullpen.
Paul Blackburn, Jonathan Loaisiga and Luke Weaver will also be free agents out of New York’s bullpen this season. That includes Tim Hill, although the team has a $3 million option that it will likely exercise to retain him.
Whether Williams re-signs with the team or not, New York will likely have to turn to multiple relievers this season.
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