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Yankees Facing Potential Devin Williams Decision After Mason Miller Trade Report

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Josh Valdez | Last updated Jul 30, 2025 5:25 PM ET

Being the New York Yankees' closer isn't an easy gig, especially not for Devin Williams. The right-hander has a 4.69 ERA in 44 appearances this year despite having a sub-2.00 ERA in each of the last three years with the Milwaukee Brewers.

Fellow right-hander Clay Holmes got demoted from the Yankees' closer role last season after blowing a MLB-high 13 saves. The club then utilized Luke Weaver in the role, who finished with a 2.89 ERA and four saves in as many regular-season opportunities to go with a 1.76 ERA and four saves out of seven chances in the playoffs.

However, the Yankees traded for Williams this past offseason to replace Holmes, as he had more closing experience than Weaver. Williams is a two-time NL Reliever of the Year and has 85 career saves out of 96 opportunities, while Weaver has 12 career saves out of 15 opportunities.

Williams hasn't lived up to his resume in New York, though, and his time as the team's closer could be running out.

The Yankees are in on Athletics star Mason Miller as Thursday's Trade Deadline approaches, via Ken Rosenthal. The right-hander has converted 20 out of 23 save opportunities this season and has a 3.76 ERA in 38 appearances. He's tied for 11th in baseball in saves.

Given Williams' struggles, New York could demote him from the closer role if it got Miller. The team has given other pitchers opportunities in that spot this season, including Weaver (eight saves), Fernando Cruz (two saves), and Mark Leiter Jr. (two saves).

Update from @Ken_Rosenthal on the Dodgers and Mason Miller and Jhoan Durán here: https://t.co/DQ5UGb9Sq3
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) July 30, 2025

Miller was an All-Star and All-MLB Second Team selection in 2024 after notching a 2.49 ERA in 55 appearances, including 28 saves out of 31 chances. The 26-year-old is arbitration-eligible through 2029.

The Yankees will face the Tampa Bay Rays on Wednesday night.

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

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