This offseason, the New York Yankees acquired Devin Williams from the Milwaukee Brewers. Williams is a two-time All-Star and has won the Trevor Hoffman National League Reliever of the Year award twice.

However, his early time with the Yankees has not yielded positive results. In 19 games with the Yankees, he has a 7.31 ERA and has already allowed as many earned runs as he did in the past two years combined. He is also in the final year of his deal and could be gone in free agency.

He has already lost his position as the closer, with Luke Weaver stepping up effectively. Should the Yankees determine that he won’t reclaim this role, he might end up being traded.

ClutchPoints’ Garrett Kerman

suggested this trade with the Philadelphia Phillies to shift Williams:

  • Yankees receive: OF Jordan Viars and RHP Andrew Baker
  • The Phillies acquire: RHP Devin Williams

The Phillies recently lost their closer, José Alvarado, due to an 80-game performance-enhancing drug suspension, which disqualifies him from participating in the playoffs as well. With ambitions of reaching the World Series, the team might hold the solution to reviving Williams’ career.

“Kerman suggested that the Phillies take a chance on Williams’ top-tier changeup, which still produces an impressive .209 expected batting average. This move would involve trading Jordan Viars, who has strong hitting skills but finds himself blocked by talented young players ready for the majors, along with reliever Andrew Baker. Given that Williams’ $9 million contract is set to expire soon, acquiring him poses minimal risk. Reconnecting Williams with pitching coach Caleb Cotham—who guided his remarkable performance in 2023—might help restore his former prowess. Should Williams regain around 80 percent of his best abilities, he’d serve as a reliable choice for crucial later-game situations alongside Jordan Romano,” Kerman explained.

Williams might still regain his worth for the Yankees. In his past five appearances, hints of his former prowess have emerged. During this period, he hasn’t conceded any runs and has recorded two perfect strikeouts. Should Williams resume performing at his previous top-tier closer level, the Yankees could swiftly dismiss notions of trading him away.


More MLB:

Yankees Veteran Pitcher Elects to Leave Organization, Head to Free Agency


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