The New York Yankees have their closer.
After agreeing to terms on a deal with starting pitcher Max Fried on Tuesday, ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported that the Yankees have acquired Milwaukee Brewers closer Devin Williams.
In exchange, Milwaukee has acquired starter Nestor Cortes, infield prospect Caleb Durbin and cash considerations, per MLB.com’s Brian Hoch.
A two-time All-Star and former National League Rookie of the Year, Williams has established himself as one of the best relievers in baseball. He has posted a 1.70 ERA and a 0.977 WHIP in 222 innings since the start of the 2020 season, notching 68 saves while striking out 361 batters with 106 walks.
Williams missed the first four months of 2024 due to two stress fractures in his lower back. He dominated once again when he was activated from the injured list, posting a 1.25 ERA and a 0.969 WHIP in his 21.2 innings, striking out 38 batters. He will solidify the ninth inning for a Yankees team that saw three of their four primary relievers enter free agency.
The Brewers, meanwhile, get much-needed help for a player with one season of team control remaining. Cortes posted a 3.77 ERA and a 1.153 WHIP across 174.1 innings, striking out 162 batters with 39 walks. He adds another solid arm to a rotation filled with question marks after ace Freddy Peralta.
Durbin exploded onto the prospect scene with his impressive showing in the Arizona Fall League, setting the single-season record with 29 stolen bases. A line drive hitter with a strong batting eye and a knack for making hard contact, Durbin posted a .287/.396/.471 batting line in 375 Triple-A plate appearances in 2024, hitting 10 homers and 23 doubles while stealing 29 bases. Durbin has spent time at second, third and short, giving the Brewers another versatile defensive option.
After losing out on Juan Soto to the New York Mets, the Yankees have since signed an All-Star left-hander and an elite closer. That’s one way to respond to their crosstown rivals.
