The New York Yankees have reportedly pulled off a major move.
According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the team has agreed to send starter Nestor Cortes and infielder Caleb Durbin to the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for closer Devin Williams. That could be one of the most impactful moves of the winter, as Williams is a two-time All-Star and two-time National League Closer of the Year, with a career 1.83 ERA and 68 saves in his six-year career.
Despite those credentials, Williams was on the trade block because he is going into his final year of arbitration eligibility with a major long-term contract likely ahead. The Brewers probably felt that they wouldn’t be able to give Williams his largest offer after the 2025 season and wanted to secure some trade value in return before he left Milwaukee.
Now, after giving up Cortes and their potential second baseman of the future in Durbin to acquire Williams, the Yankees are probably hoping he will be more than a one-year rental in New York. According to Major League Baseball insider Jon Morosi, Williams could be hoping likewise.
“I do think that Williams’ representation and perhaps Williams himself will welcome the move to a place that has the capability of signing him long term,” Morosi said in a recent appearance on MLB Network. “And at least that possibility now exists… With Devin Williams, perhaps after having to go to arbitration year over year, there is now the opportunity for him to sign long term.”
The Brewers signed Williams to a series of five single-year contracts, including a $7.25 million deal for the 2025 season that will be his last before reaching unrestricted free agency. As he seeks a long-term deal going forward, the Yankees could be the kind of big-market team that feels it can afford a nine-figure extension.
It’s unclear just how much Williams might command in an extension or new contract. Despite his decorated past, he opened the 2024 season on the injured list and ended this past season on a rough note by giving up four earned runs in a final playoff relief appearance against the New York Mets.
But if he is able to demonstrate continued health and effectiveness with the Yankees in 2025, he might earn himself a long-term extension with his new home.
