Yankees Acquire All-Star Closer Devin Williams in Trade with Brewers

14 Dec at 8:55 am

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Yankees trade news/ Devin Williams/ Nestor Cortes/ MLB trades/ Yankees bullpen/ Milwaukee Brewers/ NEW YORK/ Newslooks/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The New York Yankees acquired All-Star closer Devin Williams from the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for pitcher Nestor Cortes, prospect Caleb Durbin, and cash considerations. Williams strengthens the Yankees’ bullpen but is a free agent after the 2025 season, while Cortes gives the Brewers a reliable starting pitcher for their rotation.

Milwaukee Brewers’ Devin Williams, right, gets doused with liquid by Willy Adames after a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds, Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Aaron Gash)

Yankees Acquire Devin Williams: Quick Looks

Trade Details: Yankees trade Nestor Cortes, Caleb Durbin, and cash to the Brewers for All-Star closer Devin Williams.
Bullpen Boost: Williams, known for his elite “Airbender” changeup, joins a revamped Yankees bullpen.
Brewers’ Strategy: Milwaukee cashes in on Williams ahead of free agency, avoiding arbitration disputes.
Player Profiles: Williams brings a 1.83 career ERA, while Cortes offers the Brewers rotation depth after an injury-plagued season.
Prospect Impact: Caleb Durbin, a versatile and speedy infielder, heads to Milwaukee with major league potential.

Yankees Acquire All-Star Closer Devin Williams in Trade with Brewers

Deep Look

Yankees Land Elite Closer Devin Williams

The New York Yankees have bolstered their bullpen by acquiring All-Star closer Devin Williams from the Milwaukee Brewers. Williams, renowned for his devastating changeup, “The Airbender,” has been one of baseball’s most dominant relievers, boasting a career 1.83 ERA over five seasons.

Williams joins a Yankees bullpen reshaped this offseason following the loss of Clay Holmes to free agency. With Jonathan Loaisiga re-signed and Luke Weaver already in place, Williams is expected to solidify the Yankees’ late-inning strategy.

While Williams is an exciting addition, his tenure in New York could be brief as he is set to hit free agency next winter. Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman confirmed that contract extension talks have yet to take place.

“We’ve been eyeing Devin for years,” said Cashman. “The job isn’t finished here, but he’s the type of player who can thrive in big moments.”

Brewers Add Nestor Cortes and Caleb Durbin

The Brewers parted with Williams due to financial considerations, opting to maximize his trade value before arbitration or free agency complications arose. In return, Milwaukee gains Nestor Cortes, a reliable left-handed starter who gives their rotation a boost for 2025.

Cortes, who turned 30 this week, struggled with injuries late in 2024 but pitched to a solid 3.77 ERA over the season. He was central to trade rumors this year and ultimately became expendable after the Yankees signed Max Fried to strengthen their rotation.

Brewers GM Matt Arnold welcomed Cortes, highlighting his experience and durability. “Nestor is a proven starter who can immediately contribute to our rotation,” Arnold said.

The Brewers also acquire Caleb Durbin, a 24-year-old prospect known for his versatility and speed. Durbin, who set an Arizona Fall League record with 29 stolen bases, is on the cusp of a major league debut. His ability to play multiple positions, including center field and infield roles, adds depth to Milwaukee’s roster.

Devin Williams: Dominance and a New Chapter

Williams, 30, has been a standout reliever since his debut in 2019. He won the National League Rookie of the Year Award in 2020 after posting a 0.33 ERA in the shortened season. As Milwaukee’s closer in 2023, he recorded 36 saves with a 1.53 ERA.

Although injuries sidelined Williams for much of 2024, he returned in late July and dominated with a 1.25 ERA and a 43.2% strikeout rate in 22 appearances. His Brewers tenure ended on a sour note, giving up a game-deciding home run in the NL Wild Card Series.