Devin Williams hopes to remain with Yankees despite uneven season

Expectations were high for right-handed reliever Devin Williams in his first season with the New York Yankees. Little went according to plan for the formerly dominant closer, and the season proved quite uneven, including him losing his job at the back end of the New York bullpen. 

Williams will be eligible for free agency for the first time in his career following the conclusion of the World Series, but the 31-year-old is hoping to remain with the Yankees. 

"At first it was a challenge, but I've grown to love being here," Williams told reporters following Wednesday's season-ending loss to Toronto, via Ronald Blum of the AP. " I love this city. I love taking the train to the field every day. Yeah, I really enjoyed my experience here." 

Devin Williams' rocky start in New York

The Yankees acquired Williams in December 2024 from the Milwaukee Brewers. Left-hander Nestor Cortes, infielder Caleb Durbin, and $2 million in cash were sent to Milwaukee to complete the deal. 

Williams' tenure with the Yankees got off to a shaky start. Making his debut on Opening Day against his former team, Williams loaded the bases with no outs, drawing boos from Yankees fans just 18 pitches into his career in pinstripes. Williams would allow a run before striking out two to get out of the jam, preserving a 4-2 Yankees win. 

His production on the mound continued to be inconsistent. Williams began the year as Aaron Boone's primary option in the ninth inning, but soon found himself moved into a different role. New York ultimately focused on the bullpen leading up to the July trade deadline, adding a trio of relievers to lessen their reliance on Williams in the late innings. 

Williams showed stretches where he looked like his old self -- a two-time All-Star and two-time Relief Pitcher of the Year Award winner who sported a 1.83 ERA (231 ERA+) over his six seasons in Milwaukee -- but they were often bookended by extended struggles. He would finish his first season in New York with a 4.79 ERA (85 ERA+) over 62.0 IP with 18 saves. 

The Yankees face bullpen questions

David Bednar, one of the arms the Yankees acquired in July, finished the season as New York's primary option in the 9th inning and will be back with the team next season. Williams may need to consider how badly he wants to be in the closer role next season as he weighs his options on the market, but there could still be a place for him in New York's bullpen. 

Paul Blackburn, Jonathan Loaisiga and Luke Weaver will also be free agents this offseason from New York's bullpen. As could Tim Hill, though the team holds a $3 million option that it will likely exercise to retain him. 

Whether Williams re-signs with the team or not, New York will likely need to target multiple relievers this offseason.