The 2025 season is off to a roaring start for the New York Yankees and the optimism is palpable in the Bronx. After sweeping the Milwaukee Brewers in the opening series the Yankees are looking like the offseason moves are going to pay off big time. Despite the injuries in the spring the team’s new roster—led by Max Fried, Paul Goldschmidt, Cody Bellinger and closer Devin Williams—is already making noise.
But the Williams trade might have been the most impactful of all. With him on board the Yankees now have one of the best closers in the game shutting down games late. And early projections have him making the All-MLB Second Team as a relief pitcher.
A Much-Needed Upgrade in the Bullpen
As 2025 looms, the Yankees know they need to get their bullpen in order—particularly the closer role. Last season, Luke Weaver and Clay Holmes shared those high-pressure duties, but neither delivered the kind of consistency you need to shut down games late. That was especially true for Holmes down the stretch. Fans were left on edge in those high-leverage situations because of it.
That’s where Devin Williams comes in. The Yankees acquired him in a blockbuster trade with the Brewers that sent Nestor Cortes to Milwaukee. That move made one thing clear: the Yankees are serious about solidifying their bullpen with one of the best closers in the game.
Williams, known as the “Airbender” for his wicked changeup, missed a chunk of 2024 with stress fractures in his back. But when he was healthy, he was as dominant as ever. In just 22 appearances, he posted a 1.25 ERA, racked up 14 saves and—most impressively—struck out an eye-popping 43.2% of the batters he faced.
Why Devin Williams Was Worth the Investment?
The Yankees have historically done best when they have a closer who can shut the door on tight games-and Mariano Rivera and Aroldis Chapman at their best are the prime examples of that. Williams now gives them that kind of finisher. He can close out games and bring that much-needed stability to the late innings.
Manny Randhawa at MLB.com has already flagged Williams as a potential All-MLB Second Team player this season. That’s a pretty exclusive club, with only Emmanuel Clase of the Guardians and Mason Miller of the Athletics projected to make the first team among relievers.
Williams’ numbers speak for themselves-and they’re pretty impressive:
- Three years running, his ERA has been under 2.00.
- He consistently racks up strikeouts at a rate above 40%.
- And that unique delivery and pitch mix he brings to the mound just dominates hitters.
The Yankees are counting on Williams to make an impact this season. And they’re doing that despite him being in the final year of his contract.
How Williams Fits Into the Yankees’ Championship Hopes?
The Yankees’ offseason was all about shoring up those weaknesses. And they did just that—with a rotation reinforced by Max Fried, a lineup strengthened by Paul Goldschmidt and a whole lot of athleticism and power courtesy of Cody Bellinger. But the move that could really make or break their season was acquiring Williams.
Last season, the Yankees struggled when the game was on the line. That was largely because their late-inning pitching just wasn’t reliable. Williams fixes that. He locks things down when it matters most.
Manager Aaron Boone is going to rely on Williams heavily in 2025—especially in those big matchups against division rivals like the Blue Jays and Orioles. If the Yankees are going to take down that reigning champion Dodgers team, having a closer who can shut the door will be huge. That could be the difference-maker.
Early Signs Point to Success
The early signs are indeed promising. The Yankees’ offense is firing on all cylinders-and that bullpen, with Williams at the helm, looks better than ever. That’s giving fans a pretty clear idea of what this revamped roster is capable of—and it’s hard not to get caught up in that excitement.
For Williams, staying healthy and dominating is the key. If he can do that, he’ll not only make the All-MLB team but also be a big part of getting the Yankees where they want to go: the World Series. And that’s the ultimate goal, of course— a World Series title.
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