Devin Williams is heading into free agency after what can only be described as a lost season in pinstripes. The Yankees acquired the right-hander from Milwaukee last winter expecting elite closer production, but Williams has posted a 5.60 ERA with four blown saves and found himself bumped from high-leverage spots entirely.
It’s a stunning turn for a pitcher who’d been one of baseball’s most dominant relievers before arriving in the Bronx.
Williams sits at 3-6 with 18 saves on the year, numbers that don’t tell the full story of how far he’s fallen from closer to afterthought. The Yankees had to scramble at the deadline, bringing in Jake Bird, David Bednar, and Camilo Doval just to shore up their late-inning options.
Now that he’s headed to market, Williams is looking at a much different landscape than anyone expected. ESPN’s Jeff Passan sees him settling for a prove-it contract after this performance tanked his value.
“After entering this season primed to threaten Diaz’s record deal, Williams has struggled with the Yankees and is looking at a one-year make-good deal. Working in his favor: a 2.85 FIP that suggests better things to come.”
That FIP gives Williams something to hang his hat on – it suggests his underlying metrics aren’t as bad as that ERA indicates. Maybe he’s been unlucky, maybe the Yankees couldn’t figure out how to use him properly. Either way, some team is going to bet on the track record over one down year.
The Yankees certainly aren’t expected to be that team. Williams seems destined to close games elsewhere in 2025, assuming he can find his form again. For a pitcher who looked untouchable in Milwaukee, it’s been a humbling reminder of how quickly things can change in this game.
