First-Year Yankees Reliever Re-Emerging as Dominant Closer

Devin Williams Finally Emerging as Dominant Yankees Closer

Timely Recovery

Ironically, the Yankees’ bullpen was performing much better in April and May, when Williams was going through perhaps the worst stretch of his career. Now, the roles have reversed: Williams is putting up excellent numbers while the rest of New York’s ‘pen is struggling and costing them games.

Many pitchers that come to New York from smaller-market teams struggle to adjust to the intense pressure that comes with being a Yankee. Williams seemed to be no different; it was simply a question of whether he could regain his dominance or falter under the lights. At this point in the season, it’s looking like he’s once again one of the best closers in baseball.

Great, But Not the Best

Still, as much as Williams has improved over the past few months, he has not been the same pitcher that he was in Milwaukee. Other than his first stint in the majors in 2019, he has posted a single season in which his ERA is over 2.00 (2.50 in 2021). There is virtually no chance for this streak to continue, seeing that his 20 earned runs this season have already surpassed his career-high. Even his expected ERA sits at just 3.41, according to Baseball Savant. As good as he’s been over this bounce-back stretch, he still hasn’t been “unhittable,” which he practically was throughout the past few seasons with the Brewers.

Future in New York

Williams’ contract is up after this season, which makes the Yankees’ relatively cheap package that they sent to the Brewers a fair deal. Chances are, especially if he continues to pitch well for the rest of the season, that he’ll want a major payday come free agency. The Yankees do have a lot of money coming off the books, with Giancarlo Stanton‘s salary continuing to lessen, Marcus Stroman‘s deal expiring, and DJ LeMahieu now off the roster. The issue is, the Yankees don’t usually give much money to relief pitchers, since they are very good at finding relief talent in odd places. Secondly, outfielder Cody Bellinger will likely opt out of his current deal, forcing New York to either re-sign him or find another solid outfielder.

At this point, it’s looking like 2025 may be Williams’ lone season in the Bronx, just like 2024 was for Juan Soto. Still, he has the chance to make it a memorable one, especially if the Yankees can get him some help in the bullpen. If they do, there is no doubt that they’ll at least be in the running for the AL East title come September.