The New York Yankees have reportedly made a significant acquisition to strengthen their bullpen by acquiring All-Star closer Devin Williams from the Milwaukee Brewers. This trade, announced on December 13, 2024, follows the Yankees’ earlier deal for starting pitcher Max Fried, signaling their continued commitment to improving their roster ahead of the upcoming season. According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the Yankees have successfully secured Williams in exchange for left-handed starting pitcher Nestor Cortes, infield prospect Caleb Durbin, and additional cash considerations, as reported by MLB.com’s Brian Hoch.
Devin Williams, a two-time All-Star and former National League Rookie of the Year, has been a standout performer in recent years, establishing himself as one of the premier relievers in baseball. Over 222 innings since 2020, Williams has posted a remarkable 1.70 ERA and a 0.977 WHIP, amassing 68 saves and striking out 361 batters while issuing 106 walks. Although his 2024 season was marred by injury, as he missed the first four months due to two stress fractures in his lower back, Williams bounced back impressively upon his return. In 21.2 innings, he maintained a stellar 1.25 ERA and a 0.969 WHIP, striking out 38 batters, showcasing that he remains one of the game’s most effective closers.
Williams’ acquisition will be a key addition to the Yankees’ bullpen, especially given the team’s recent struggles in securing a reliable closer. Three of their four primary relievers from the previous season have entered free agency, leaving a significant gap in the backend of their bullpen. With Williams in the fold, the Yankees now have a proven commodity to anchor the ninth inning and bolster their pitching staff heading into the 2025 season.
On the other hand, the Brewers’ side of the trade brings in Nestor Cortes, a left-handed starter who posted a solid 3.77 ERA and a 1.153 WHIP across 174.1 innings in 2024. Cortes also struck out 162 batters while walking just 39. His addition gives the Brewers much-needed depth for their starting rotation, particularly with several question marks surrounding the health and performance of their pitchers after ace Freddy Peralta. Cortes is expected to bolster their rotation as they look to compete in a tough National League Central division.
In addition to Cortes, the Brewers also received Caleb Durbin, a promising infield prospect who made waves with his performance in the Arizona Fall League. Durbin, a versatile infielder who can play second, third, and shortstop, impressed scouts by setting the Arizona Fall League single-season record with 29 stolen bases. Durbin’s bat is also making a name for itself, as he posted a strong .287/.396/.471 batting line in 375 plate appearances for Triple-A in 2024. This included 10 home runs, 23 doubles, and, of course, 29 stolen bases. His combination of power, speed, and defensive versatility adds valuable depth to the Brewers’ farm system and gives them another potential contributor for the future.
This trade also serves as a notable response to the New York Mets’ acquisition of Juan Soto earlier in the offseason. After missing out on the highly sought-after outfielder, the Yankees have pivoted by adding an All-Star left-hander and a top-tier closer, demonstrating their ability to quickly rebound and strengthen their roster. The addition of Williams, in particular, addresses one of the Yankees’ most pressing needs and sets the stage for an intriguing offseason as they continue to prepare for the 2025 season.
The Brewers, meanwhile, are set to benefit from this trade by bolstering their starting rotation with Cortes, while also adding a highly promising prospect in Durbin to their system. While losing a player of Williams’ caliber is undoubtedly a blow, the Brewers have secured valuable assets that can help them both in the immediate future and in the long term.
For the Yankees, this deal is part of their broader effort to assemble a championship-caliber team for 2025. The addition of Devin Williams to the bullpen gives them a much-needed upgrade in their late-inning relief, while Max Fried’s arrival in the starting rotation solidifies an already impressive pitching staff. The Yankees are clearly not resting on their laurels after falling short in the postseason in recent years, and they have made bold moves to ensure they are well-positioned for success.
In contrast, the Brewers’ move to trade Williams could be seen as part of their broader strategy to build a well-rounded team for the future, while they also position themselves for potential playoff contention in 2025. The acquisition of Nestor Cortes and Caleb Durbin provides the Brewers with both immediate help and future potential, making this a trade that could pay dividends for years to come.
This transaction marks another chapter in the evolving dynamic between two of Major League Baseball’s storied franchises, with the Yankees and Brewers each making strategic moves to improve their rosters. The Yankees, with their eyes set on another World Series title, have strengthened their bullpen with one of the best in the game. Meanwhile, the Brewers, while parting with an elite closer, have fortified their pitching staff and farm system, setting themselves up for a strong push in the seasons ahead. The fallout from this trade will likely be felt in the coming months, as both teams look to finalize their rosters and prepare for the challenges of the 2025 season.
