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Yankees Closer Devin Williams Makes Decision On His Beard

Originally posted on The Spun | By Matt Hladik | Last updated Feb 12, 2025 3:35 PM ET

Among the New York Yankees' biggest offseason acquisitions this year was star closer Devin Williams.

Williams joined the Bronx Bombers in a trade with the Milwaukee Brewers after establishing himself as one of the league's best relievers over the last five years. The 2020 National League Rookie of the Year, Williams made the National League All-Star roster in 2022 and 2023, posting an ERA under 2.00 both seasons. Last year, despite appearing in only 22 games due to injury, Williams went 1-0 with 14 saves and a 1.25 ERA, though he performed poorly in the Brewers' playoff series loss to the New York Mets.

Throughout his time in Milwaukee, Williams became recognizable for his beard, which he grew to varying lengths. The 30-year-old hurler showed up at spring training with his facial hair intact, pushing the limits of the Yankees' notorious policy which prohibits players from growing anything besides sideburns or a mustache.

However, when he took the field to work out on Wednesday, Williams was clean-shaven for the first time in six years.

Devin Williams is clean shaven for the first time in six years pic.twitter.com/dBk3bVmw9B
— Talkin' Yanks (@TalkinYanks) February 12, 2025

Williams certainly lived up to his previous vow to keep his beard as long as possible, but in the end, capitulated to the franchise's longstanding guidelines.

We're dubious that being clean-shaven will have any impact on Williams' performance, but the Yankees' facial hair ban is still silly. It's 2025 and we're still policing how grown men groom themselves while playing baseball.

Overall, the Yankees are most enthused about having Williams in pinstripes and healthy. He's expected to assume his customary role as closer, though manager Aaron Boone said Luke Weaver, who was a revelation in the 2024 postseason, will also receive save opportunities.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 26: Manager Aaron Boone #17 of the New York Yankees looks on from the dugout before playing the Los Angeles Dodgers during Game Two of the 2024 World Series at Dodger Stadium on October 26, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)Harry How/Getty Images

"One of the game's great closers," Boone said in December. "He's been a guy that I've been kind of beating our group--'Why don't we get that guy?'--for the last couple of years. I'm finally glad we were able to get to the point where we were able to match up."

The Yankees, who won the American League pennant in 2024 before losing to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series, will open their spring training schedule against the Tampa Bay Rays on Feb. 21.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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