NEW YORK — The New York Yankees are once again taking a calculated risk in player acquisitions, mirroring their previous attempt with Juan Soto, who was a one-year rental. The Yankees have secured Devin Williams, the All-Star closer from the Milwaukee Brewers, in exchange for pitcher Nestor Cortes and infield prospect Caleb Durbin on Friday. To finalize the trade, New York will also transfer $2 million to Milwaukee.
“We’ve had our eyes on him for several years, and while he is a year shy of free agency, I’m confident there were other interested parties as well,” commented Yankees general manager Brian Cashman.
At 30 years old, Williams is scheduled to become a free agent after the 2025 season. He encountered a setback early in the year due to two stress fractures in his back, delaying his season debut until July 28.
“We don’t want to downplay the absence of Devin, but we believe our bullpen remains robust,” remarked Brewers general manager Matt Arnold.
Williams excelled in his limited appearances, successfully converting 14 of 15 save opportunities with a remarkable 1.25 ERA. He achieved 38 strikeouts while allowing 11 walks across 21 2/3 innings. His fastball averaged 94.7 mph, constituting over half of his pitch varieties. He also utilized his unique changeup, known as the “Airbender,” making up about 45% of his total pitches, along with a small percentage of cutters.
Williams holds the distinction of having the highest strikeout rate in the major leagues—43.2%—among pitchers who have thrown at least 20 innings this season.
“He has nerves of steel,” stated Cashman. “A player can’t thrive in this position unless they can handle the spotlight.” Williams was an All-Star in both 2022 and 2023 and was picked in the second round of the 2013 amateur draft. Over the course of six seasons, he boasts an impressive record of 27-10, with a 1.83 ERA and 68 saves from 78 chances, totaling 375 strikeouts and 112 walks across 235 2/3 innings in 241 career games.
The Brewers opted to turn down a $10.5 million option last month, preferring a $250,000 buyout, which allows Williams to enter arbitration.
In joining the Yankees’ bullpen, Williams adds to a mix that includes Luke Weaver, who transitioned to closer following Clay Holmes’ departure, in addition to Jake Cousins and Ian Hamilton. Currently, there are no left-handed relievers on the Yankees’ 40-man roster.
“If we have right-handers that can effectively neutralize left-handed hitters, that’s advantageous and alleviates the necessity for immediate left-on-left matchups,” remarked Cashman.
Cortes, who celebrated his 30th birthday on Tuesday, is recognized for his All-Star performance in 2022, ending that season with a record of 12-4 and a prospective career-low ERA of 2.44 across 28 starts. Unfortunately, he has faced injury challenges, making only one start after May 30 in 2023 due to a left shoulder strain. His World Series return against the Los Angeles Dodgers was fleeting, as he entered the game in the 10th inning and allowed a game-winning grand slam to Freddie Freeman shortly after.
“He’s had a healthy offseason, and we expect him to enter spring training in form,” Arnold stated.
Cortes, noted for his diverse pitching styles, has a career tally of 33 wins and 21 losses, complemented by a 3.80 ERA over 86 starts and 49 relief appearances spanning seven seasons. He too awaits arbitration and is on track for free agency after next season.
“His experience adds stability to our rotation,” Arnold asserted. “Having someone who has been integral to a championship-caliber team like the Yankees will suit us well, especially following Willy Adames’ exit.” New York recently secured a $218 million, eight-year deal with lefty Max Fried, enhancing their starting rotation alongside elite ace Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón, Luis Gil, and Clarke Schmidt, with Marcus Stroman as a potential candidate.
Durbin, turning 25 in February, posted a notable .287 batting average with 10 home runs, 60 RBIs, and 29 stolen bases this past season at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. “Securing a talent of Devin Williams’ caliber was our priority over resolving infield matters,” Cashman expressed.
Durbin participated in spring training with the major league team and has been praised for his capabilities. “I genuinely believe he is exceptional,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone shared last month, highlighting his bat-to-ball skills and outstanding base running abilities. Durbin has also demonstrated positional flexibility, having played various infield spots and even the outfield this past season.
In the Arizona Fall League, Durbin impressed further, hitting .312 with five home runs, 21 RBIs, and an impressive 29 steals in just 24 games.
“We admire the dynamic play style he brings to our roster, which will align well with Pat Murphy’s approach to the game,” Arnold concluded.
Cashman indicated ongoing discussions with agent Scott Boras regarding various free agent clients, including notable names such as third baseman Alex Bregman and first baseman Pete Alonso. “Bregman’s talents and winning pedigree command respect,” Cashman noted, “but that’s as much as I can elaborate at this moment.”
