Yankees Land All-Star Closer Devin Williams in Blockbuster Trade with Brewers
The New York Yankees have made a major move to bolster their bullpen, acquiring All-Star closer Devin Williams from the Milwaukee Brewers. In exchange, the team announced on Friday that the Yankees sent left-handed starter Nestor Cortes, infield prospect Caleb Durbin, and cash considerations to Milwaukee.
What the Yankees Are Getting in Devin Williams
Devin Williams, 30, is one of the most dominant relievers in baseball. Despite an injury-shortened 2024 season, he posted a remarkable 1.25 ERA with 38 strikeouts in just 21 2/3 innings. The Yankees will have Williams under team control for the 2025 season, which is his final year before free agency.
Over his six-year career with the Brewers, Williams has been a lights-out closer, boasting a career ERA+ of 232 and an impressive FIP of 2.39. Even more striking, he’s struck out nearly 40% of the batters he’s faced—a testament to his elite stuff. Known for a dominant fastball and one of the best changeups in the game, Williams has recorded sub-2.00 ERAs in each of the last three seasons.
However, Williams has had his share of health issues. This past season, he missed four months due to a stress fracture in his back. He’s also dealt with shoulder, calf, elbow, and hand injuries throughout his career. His workload has been limited as a result, with his career-high in innings pitched coming in 2022 (60 2/3 innings).
For the Yankees, the trade fills a critical need in the bullpen. After losing closer Clay Holmes to the Mets in free agency, New York was in search of a high-leverage arm, and Williams fits the bill perfectly.
What the Brewers Are Getting
The Brewers, meanwhile, add left-hander Nestor Cortes, who brings both experience and versatility to their pitching staff. Cortes, who just turned 30, has been a steady presence for the Yankees over the last few years. In 2023, he posted a 3.77 ERA across 174 1/3 innings, and his career ERA+ of 110 shows he’s been an above-average pitcher throughout his career.
Cortes, an All-Star in 2022, has proven he can handle both starting and relief roles, giving Milwaukee flexibility in how they use him. He’s under team control for one more year before becoming a free agent after the 2025 season.
The Brewers also gain 24-year-old infield prospect Caleb Durbin. A versatile defender who’s primarily played second base, Durbin has impressed in the minors with his ability to get on base and his speed. Over four minor league seasons, he’s slashed .269/.374/.407 with 110 stolen bases in 281 games. Durbin also showed promise in the Arizona Fall League this past year and could factor into Milwaukee’s depth plans in the near future.
Why the Trade Makes Sense
For the Yankees, this trade is about adding a proven closer to a bullpen in need of late-game firepower. With the recent signing of Max Fried to solidify their rotation, New York had the depth to part with Cortes. Meanwhile, the Brewers, facing the reality of Williams’ impending free agency, opted to cash in on their star closer while addressing multiple needs.
This three-player deal could pay dividends for both teams, as the Yankees gear up for a postseason run and the Brewers continue to build for the future.