The Yankees have made a splash for one of the best relievers in baseball over the past four seasons.
According to multiple reports, but first by Jomboy Media's Talkin' Jake, the Yanks have acquired closer Devin Williams from the Brewers for Nestor Cortes Jr. and prospect Caleb Durbin, as the Yankees address the departure of Clay Holmes in a big way by further bolstering their pitching staff.
Williams’ 2024 season’s lasting image is surrendering a three-run home run to Pete Alonso in the deciding game of the Wild Card Series, but his regular season was stellar once again, pitching to a 1.25 ERA in 22 appearances (he didn't debut until late July due to a stress fracture in his back). In his last full season, he posted a 1.53 ERA in 58.2 innings of work in 2023. He has pitched below a 2.00 ERA in three straight seasons.
Since 2021, the righty has posted a 1.89 ERA across 195 innings of work.
Cortes became expendable after the Yanks acquired Max Fried in an eight-year deal, though the 30-year-old was once again solid in 2024, posting a 3.77 ERA in starting and relief roles. A former major league castoff, Cortes resurrected his career in the Bronx, earning an All-Star selection in 2022.
Durbin was a hyped Yankee prospect who drew more recent attention after Brian Cashman called him a legitimate candidate to be the team’s starting second baseman in 2025. Instead, he was a centerpiece of acquiring one of the most dominant relief arms in the game, who is arbitration eligible in 2025.