The New York Yankees have already made a major move following the loss of Juan Soto, and more significant additions could be on the way.
Just days after Soto signed a record-breaking $765 million contract with the New York Mets, the Yankees set a new record themselves, agreeing to a $218 million deal with Max Fried, making him the highest-paid left-handed pitcher in history.
However, if the Yankees aim to return to the World Series in 2025 and claim the title, they may need to make additional moves. MLB Network’s Mark DeRosa predicted that the Yankees will acquire two-time All-Star closer Devin Williams in a major trade with the Milwaukee Brewers, naming it the “single deal” he expects to happen by the end of the year.
“Devin Williams, pack your bags, you’re not staying in Milwaukee,” DeRosa said. “You and Luke Weaver will be joining the Yankees’ bullpen, throwing some serious heat. Devin Williams to the Yankees makes a lot of sense to me.”
If the trade occurs, Williams could have a chance to become the Yankees’ closer in 2025. However, this seems less certain compared to the previous winter. Over the course of the 2023 season, Williams earned two All-Star selections, two National League Reliever of the Year honors, two MVP votes, and a Rookie of the Year award.
Yet, he began the season on the injured list, and despite posting 14 saves and a 1.25 ERA over 19 regular season appearances, his performances in high-pressure situations were concerning. In the Brewers’ National League Wild Card series against the New York Mets, Williams gave up four earned runs in just 1 2/3 innings, resulting in a 21.60 ERA.
Despite these struggles, Williams is expected to be a valuable trade asset as he enters his final season of arbitration eligibility. If the Yankees can acquire him at a reasonable price, he could form an exciting late-inning duo with Weaver. Should he return to his 2023 form, Williams could potentially become a World Series-caliber closer for the Yankees in 2025.
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