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Yankees’ AL East Rival Named Devin Williams Landing Spot

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Josh Valdez | Last updated Nov 12, 2025 3:03 PM ET

The New York Yankees were spoiled with all-time MLB saves leader Mariano Rivera as their closer from 1995 to 2013, and they haven't had a long-term replacement ever since. Right-hander Devin Williams is the latest hurler to struggle as their closer.

The Yankees acquired the two-time NL Reliever of the Year from the Milwaukee Brewers last offseason for starting pitcher Nestor Cortes, infielder Caleb Durbin and cash considerations. They thought they were getting one of the best closers in baseball, as he had a sub-2.00 ERA in each of the previous three seasons along with 65 saves out of 72 opportunities.

However, Williams' ERA ballooned to 4.79 in 2025, and he blew four saves out of 22 chances. The two-time All-Star can now get a fresh start in unrestricted free agency, as he played on a one-year deal to avoid arbitration with New York this past season.

The Boston Red Sox are one of several teams interested, per The Athletic's Will Sammon.

Free-agent relief pitcher Devin Williams.Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

"One week into free agency, approximately 12 teams, including the Los Angeles Dodgers, Boston Red Sox and Cincinnati Reds, expressed interest in Williams, league sources said," Sammons reported.

People around the league are confident that Williams can return to his pre-2025 form.

“He should be viewed as someone who can be an elite option,” one National League team official said.

Devin Williams is a fascinating case in free agency.

On his statistical ‘25 season, experience with NYY & early rumblings on market.

“As far as my stuff, I felt it was as good, if not better, than it has been in years’ past.” He’s not alone w/ thought. https://t.co/djITfA5ffR
— Will Sammon (@WillSammon) November 12, 2025

How Would Devin Williams Fit With Red Sox, Other Suitors?

It may be best for both the Yankees and Williams to part ways despite his postseason improvement. The veteran tossed four scoreless innings in the playoffs, but that's not enough to undo his regular-season struggles that cost the team several games in a year that it lost the AL East title race on a head-to-head tiebreaker to the Toronto Blue Jays. Had New York won the division, it could've skipped the AL wild card round and had home-field advantage in the division series.

If Williams jumps ship to the Red Sox, he would be under less pressure than he was with the Yankees. Boston has southpaw closer Aroldis Chapman, who notched a 1.17 ERA and tied for fifth in MLB with 32 saves last season. It also has right-handed setup man Garrett Whitlock, who recorded a 2.25 ERA and 24 holds.

Therefore, Williams could be a sixth- or seventh-inning option for the Red Sox next year before Whitlock and Chapman take over in the eighth and ninth, respectively. That would give him a chance to regain his All-Star form without the stress of closing.

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

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