New York Yankees Urged To Re-Sign Key Bullpen Piece Despite In-Season Struggles
As the MLB offseason begins, the New York Yankees are faced with several key decisions to bolster their roster for another championship run. One of the more surprising suggestions gaining traction is the idea of re-signing reliever Devin Williams, a player who had a turbulent first season in the Bronx but showed flashes of the dominance that once made him one of the game’s elite closers.
New York Yankees Devin Williams Up And Down Season
The Yankees made a significant move last offseason to acquire Williams from the Milwaukee Brewers, hoping his “airbender” changeup would solidify the back end of their bullpen. However, his tenure as the team’s closer was rocky. Williams struggled with consistency, leading to a bloated 4.79 ERA over 67 appearances and his eventual removal from the closer role.
Despite the overall numbers, a closer look reveals a pitcher who found his footing as the season progressed. According to The Athletic’s Brendan Kuty, who urged the Yankees to consider a reunion, Williams was a different pitcher in the final stretch. After August 20, he posted a 3.29 ERA and struck out 23 batters in just 13.2 innings. This late-season surge, which continued into the playoffs, showcased the “filthy stuff” that made him a two-time Reliever of the Year in the National League.
A Potential High-Upside Bargain
Given his inconsistent season, Williams may not command the top-tier contract many expected him to receive a year ago. This presents an opportunity for the Yankees to bring back a high-upside arm on a more team-friendly deal. With the bullpen needing reliable setup men in front of new closer David Bednar, a resurgent Williams could be a perfect fit.
For his part, Williams has expressed a willingness to return. After the season, he spoke about the adjustment period of moving from Milwaukee, the league’s smallest market, to the intensity of New York. He mentioned growing to love the city and feeling more acclimated as the year went on, leaving the door open for a potential return.
The Yankees’ Offseason Strategy
General Manager Brian Cashman has made it clear that the team is not rebuilding and will be aggressive in its pursuit of a World Series title. Re-signing Williams would be a calculated gamble. If he can build on his strong finish, the Yankees would be getting an elite setup man at a potentially discounted rate. If his struggles return, it would be a frustrating repeat of the 2025 season. For a team looking to add quality arms without breaking the bank on every free agent, bringing back Devin Williams could be a surprisingly shrewd move.
