Yankees Eye Brewers Closer Devin Williams For $8 Million Trade

In a surprising turn of events, the New York Yankees are reportedly eyeing Milwaukee Brewers closer Devin Williams in a potential $8 million trade. Williams, a 27-year-old right-handed pitcher, has emerged as one of the most dominant relievers in baseball since his MLB debut in 2019.

Williams’ Impressive Credentials

Williams has been a workhorse for the Brewers, amassing 97.1 innings pitched with 152 strikeouts and a 2.51 ERA over the past two seasons. His exceptional command and diverse repertoire, featuring a devastating changeup and a high-velocity fastball, have made him one of the most sought-after relievers in the league.

Yankees’ Need for a Closer

The Yankees currently have several reliable relievers, including Clay Holmes and Miguel Castro, but they lack a true shutdown closer. Aroldis Chapman, their former closer, struggled mightily in 2022 and was subsequently released. Acquiring Williams would give the Yankees a dominant arm to finish games and bolster their bullpen.

Brewers’ Willingness to Trade

With the Brewers out of contention for the playoffs, there is speculation that they may be willing to trade Williams to acquire young talent or fill other roster holes. Williams is entering his final year of arbitration, making him a potential trade candidate for teams looking to add a proven closer.

Potential Obstacles

While the trade rumors are intriguing, there are a few potential obstacles that could prevent it from happening. The Yankees may not be willing to part with the necessary prospects or financial resources to acquire Williams. Additionally, Williams has expressed his desire to remain with the Brewers, which could complicate any potential trade negotiations.

Expert Perspectives

Buster Olney, ESPN: “Williams would be a major upgrade for the Yankees’ bullpen, but it’s unclear if the Brewers would be willing to trade him within the division. Plus, the Yankees may be reluctant to part with some of their top prospects.”

Jon Heyman, The New York Post: “The Yankees have a strong interest in Williams, but the Brewers’ asking price may be too high. If the Yankees can’t acquire Williams, they could turn their attention to other potential trade targets, such as David Robertson or Kenley Jansen.”

Jeff Passan, ESPN: “The Yankees’ pursuit of Williams is a sign of their determination to improve their bullpen. They have a strong rotation, but they need a reliable closer to compete for a World Series.”

Conclusion

The potential trade between the Yankees and Brewers for Devin Williams is a intriguing one that could have a significant impact on both teams. Williams is one of the most dominant relievers in baseball, and his addition to the Yankees’ bullpen would be a major upgrade. However, there are a number of factors that could prevent this trade from happening. The Yankees may not be willing to meet the Brewers’ asking price, and Williams may not be willing to leave Milwaukee. Ultimately, the future of this potential trade remains uncertain.