Devin Williams has embraced the charm of autumn in New York City. “Typically, I travel abroad for a week or so after the season wraps up. However, this year, I decided to spend ten days in New York during October,” he shared on Tuesday. Among his activities, Williams explored the city’s vibrant restaurants, indulged in shopping, and visited cultural attractions like the Museum of Modern Art and the American Museum of Natural History.
Williams is set to enjoy more time in New York following the recent trade that sent him to the Yankees from the Milwaukee Brewers. The exchange involved left-handed pitcher Nestor Cortes and infield prospect Caleb Durbin moving to Milwaukee. “Ten days in the city was exciting, but it wasn’t enough time to see everything, so I look forward to returning,” he expressed.
As he navigates the offseason, Williams is eligible for arbitration and could become a free agent after the World Series. He mentioned he is open to the possibility of a long-term contract, provided it benefits both parties. “Nothing has been discussed until now, but if the terms are right for both sides, it’s a definite option,” he noted.
This trade is part of a broader strategy by the Yankees to revamp their roster after losing out on outfielder Juan Soto, who signed a record-breaking 15-year, $765 million deal with the Mets. Alongside Williams, left-handed pitcher Max Fried has signed an eight-year, $218 million contract, and outfielder/first baseman Cody Bellinger is being acquired from the Chicago Cubs in exchange for right-hander Cody Poteet.
Williams’ last season ended in disappointment as the Brewers suffered a Game 3 defeat to the Mets in the Wild Card Series. He allowed a crucial ninth-inning homer to Pete Alonso, which put his earlier struggles into perspective. “Every setback I’ve encountered has stuck with me, but it fuels me rather than hinders my progress. Whenever I stumble, I’m eager to return to the mound to redeem myself,” he commented.
Upon learning about his trade, Williams received warm welcomes from former teammate Jake Cousins and Yankees captain Aaron Judge, who reached out via text. Just as he was arriving for a workout at Cressey Sports Performance in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, Williams got the news of his transfer. “I initially thought I was headed to Los Angeles, based on what I was hearing, but the Yankees came out of nowhere and closed the deal,” he recalled.
Williams, named the 2020 National League Rookie of the Year, stepped into the closer role for the Brewers after Josh Hader was traded to the San Diego Padres in August 2022. He successfully converted 14 of 15 save opportunities, posting an impressive 1.25 ERA alongside 38 strikeouts and 11 walks over 21 2/3 innings. His fastball, averaging 94.7 mph, was a dominant weapon, making up 53.5% of his pitches, complemented by his “Airbender” changeup which constituted roughly 45% of his arsenal, along with a small fraction of cutters.
“I’ve always prided myself on my changeup, something I’ve honed since childhood while playing catch with friends,” he stated. The significant transformation of his changeup occurred around 2020, as he took the opportunity during the pandemic to refine and enhance it, leading to an impressive season.
In the spring of 2019, while pitching batting practice, he transitioned from a two-seam grip to a four-seam grip, allowing for more movement and control over the year.
Looking ahead, Williams is excited about the prospect of pitching in front of passionate fans at Yankee Stadium. “A close game heightens my focus,” he remarked. “At times, it can be easier to lose concentration if the stakes don’t feel high in the moment.”
Before joining the Yankees for spring training, however, Williams will need to make a personal adjustment by shaving off his beard. “I’ll probably hold onto it for as long as I can,” he said. “It’s been about six years since I’ve gone completely clean-shaven.”