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Devin Williams Addresses Trade After Yankees Make Decision on His Role

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Josh Valdez | Last updated Aug 1, 2025 1:37 AM ET

Two-time All-Star closer Devin Williams has not been what the New York Yankees expected this season, and they acted accordingly at the Trade Deadline. The club acquired David Bednar from the Pittsburgh Pirates, Camilo Doval from the San Francisco Giants, and Jake Bird from the Colorado Rockies to shore up the bullpen depth on Thursday.

The Yankees got Williams from the Milwaukee Brewers over the offseason to replace Clay Holmes, who led baseball with 13 blown saves last season. However, the 30-year-old has a 5.01 ERA over 45 appearances this year, so New York needed extra bullpen support.

Meanwhile, Doval has a 3.09 ERA over 47 outings, and Bednar has a 2.37 ERA in 42 appearances. Still, Yankees manager Aaron Boone announced on Thursday that Williams will keep the closer role while the new acquisitions fit around him, via MLB.com's Bryan Hoch.

Williams gave his thoughts about Doval after New York's 7-4 win over the Tampa Bay Rays, via SNY.

"I mean, he throws 100 miles an hour, what else do you need to see?" he asked.

Doval has 15 saves out of 19 opportunities this year, along with seven holds. Additionally, Williams has 17 saves out of 19 chances as well as seven holds, and Bednar has 17 saves in as many chances with three holds.

"I mean he throws 100 miles an hour, what else do you need to see?"

Devin Williams on Camilo Doval: pic.twitter.com/1mWLKEmI7n
— Yankees Videos (@snyyankees) July 31, 2025

On the other hand, Bird has just one career save out of 21 opportunities. The right-hander also has a 4.57 career ERA over 188 appearances, although he does have 32 holds.

New York will start its road trip against the Miami Marlins on Friday night.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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