Devin Williams Considers Reunion with Yankees

Devin Williams, an elite closer, has indicated his willingness to return to the New York Yankees as a free agent. His previous season in New York was marked by challenges, but he enjoyed his time in the city and appreciates the opportunity he had with the team.

Williams’ Season Review and Performance

Williams was acquired by the Yankees from the Milwaukee Brewers in the last offseason. The Yankees traded pitcher Nestor Cortes and infielder Caleb Durbin to secure Williams’ skills. After the departure of Clay Holmes, who left for a starting role with the Mets, the Yankees saw Williams as a key addition.

He initially earned a save against Milwaukee on opening night, although it required significant effort, including 36 pitches to secure three outs. Williams faced a string of inconsistent performances, including an infamous extra-inning loss against the Pittsburgh Pirates. However, he successfully converted all of his first four save opportunities.

• On April 19, he surrendered a four-run lead against the Tampa Bay Rays, resulting in an extra-inning defeat.
• After facing difficulties, Williams was able to reclaim his position as the closer, finishing the season strong.
• From June through July, he succeeded in 12 out of 13 save chances.

Statistics and Analysis

Despite ending the year with a 4.79 ERA, the worst of his career, Williams rebounded with a more favorable 3.92 ERA in the latter part of the season. His strikeout rate of 38.6% during this stretch reflected his typical dominance on the mound.

Some noteworthy performances included:

• Nine consecutive scoreless appearances leading into the playoffs.
• Four additional scoreless outings during the postseason.

His fastball averaged 94.1 mph, consistent with his previous years. One of the positive aspects of Williams’ performance was his durability. He completed the 2025 season without significant injuries, achieving career-highs in innings (62) and appearances (67).

Free Agency and Market Landscape

As Williams enters the crowded free agent market, he faces competition from notable closers such as Ryan Helsley and Raisel Iglesias. Additionally, Edwin Díaz and Robert Suarez may opt-out of their contracts, further complicating the landscape for relievers.

Williams, aged 31, is among the younger relievers available, which positions him favorably in negotiations. His early struggles in New York may not hinder his market value as he is still regarded for his pitching capabilities.

Currently, the Yankees have Camilo Doval and David Bednar under contract, which may reduce their urgency to bring back Williams. However, the potential for change in the bullpen remains, especially if other players, including Williams and Luke Weaver, seek new contracts.

In conclusion, while the Yankees are not in immediate need of Williams, his interest in reuniting with the team and his impressive end-of-season performance could influence the Yankees’ decision-making process as they look to improve a bullpen that ranked 23rd in ERA and fell to 26th after the trade deadline.