The New York Yankees’ offseason got off to a rough start when they lost out on Juan Soto to the Mets, but the team’s momentum quickly picked up with key acquisitions like Max Fried, Devin Williams, and Paul Goldschmidt. Brian Cashman’s offseason continued to build on that success with his latest move, as the Yankees and Williams agreed to an $8.6 million contract for the 2025 season, ensuring they avoid an arbitration hearing. This agreement followed a trade on December 13, when the Yankees sent left-handed starter Nestor Cortes, infielder Caleb Durbin, and cash considerations to the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for the two-time All-Star closer.
This trade marked the beginning of a flurry of moves for the Yankees, further strengthening their bullpen. While New York has consistently fielded one of the top relief units in baseball, the ninth inning has occasionally raised concerns. The emergence of Luke Weaver in 2024, after Clay Holmes’ struggles in the second half, helped provide stability, but Weaver’s performance history suggests he could regress in the coming year. Williams, however, brings a level of reliability to the closer role that manager Aaron Boone has been seeking, solidifying the Yankees’ late-game pitching situation.
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