The Yankees Acquire Devin Williams in a Major Trade
The New York Yankees have made a significant move to bolster their bullpen, acquiring All-Star closer Devin Williams from the Milwaukee Brewers. In exchange, the Yankees have parted ways with left-handed pitcher Nestor Cortes, promising infield prospect Caleb Durbin, and an undisclosed amount of cash considerations.
In Williams, the Yankees are gaining a dominant force on the mound. The 30-year-old has been a standout performer for the Brewers over the past six seasons. With an ERA+ of 232 and a Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP) of 2.39, coupled with a remarkable strikeout rate approaching 40% of opposing hitters, Williams offers an intimidating presence late in the game. His performance in the 2024 season—an ERA of 1.25 with 38 strikeouts in just 21 2/3 innings—underscores his potential to change the dynamic of any close game.
Williams's journey, however, has not been without its challenges. He has battled a series of injuries, including a stress fracture in his back that kept him off the field for four months during the past season. Additionally, shoulder, calf, elbow, and hand ailments have tested his resilience. Despite these physical setbacks, his on-field performance has remained at an elite level.
This trade comes as Williams enters his walk year for the 2025 season, with the Yankees holding one year of team control. His addition to the roster signifies New York's commitment to addressing the bullpen needs that have persisted, especially following the departure of reliever Clay Holmes to the Mets in free agency.
The Cost: Nestor Cortes and Caleb Durbin
To acquire Williams, the Yankees bid farewell to Nestor Cortes, who also brings considerable value to the Brewers. At 30 years old, Cortes delivered an admirable ERA of 3.77 over 174 1/3 innings last season. With a career ERA+ of 110 and an FIP of 4.10, his experience includes 86 starts and 49 relief appearances, offering Milwaukee both depth and versatility on the mound.
Cortes’s career has been marked by steady improvement, and he enters the final year of arbitration eligibility, becoming a free agent after the 2025 season. His departure will be felt in a Yankees rotation that, while reinforced by new signing Max Fried, loses a reliable southpaw starter.
Beyond Cortes, the Brewers receive Caleb Durbin, a young player with promising potential. At 24, Durbin showcased his skills in the high minors last season, even participating in the Arizona Fall League. His minor-league career slash line of .269/.374/.407 alongside an impressive count of 110 stolen bases in 281 games highlights his ability both at the plate and on the basepaths. Notably, Durbin shows strong plate discipline, as evidenced by a career total of more walks than strikeouts—a rare and valuable trait. Drafted in the 14th round from Washington University in St. Louis, he reaches the Brewers as an intriguing talent with potential to make an impact in Milwaukee’s infield.
The Yankees' Strategic Moves
This trade is part of a broader strategy by the Yankees' front office to address deficiencies within the pitching staff. The acquisition of Williams, coupled with the signing of Max Fried to reinforce the rotation, marks a proactive approach to remedying both bullpen and rotation gaps. As the Yankees gear up for the upcoming season, expectations have been set high, consistent with their historical pursuit of championships.
The departure of Cortes and Durbin certainly marks a shake-up in the Yankees roster, but the acquisition of a closer of Williams's caliber signals a clear commitment to strengthening the team where it matters most. As the Yankees prepare to enter the 2025 season, the impact of these strategic changes will soon reveal whether they can return to their perennial status as World Series contenders.