Following another headline-grabbing offseason, the New York Yankees are once again setting their sights on a World Series run. Despite the high-profile loss of Juan Soto to the New York Mets, the Yankees reallocated that potential payroll to make major moves — acquiring Max Fried, Paul Goldschmidt, Cody Bellinger, and others. However, not all of their offseason signings have panned out. One of the most disappointing additions so far has been former Brewers star reliever Devin Williams.
Williams arrived in the Bronx with high expectations, having earned two National League Reliever of the Year awards and two All-Star selections during his six-year stint in Milwaukee. He was expected to step in as the Yankees’ next dominant closer. Instead, he has struggled mightily, posting a 10.03 ERA and giving up 13 earned runs in just 11 2/3 innings pitched. His performance has been so concerning that MLB insider Joel Sherman recently questioned whether the Yankees might trade him before the deadline.
Speaking on the “The Show” podcast, Sherman suggested Williams’ looming free agency could push the Yankees to explore a midseason deal. “It’s his walk year, and of the 30 teams, I doubt the Yankees are high on the list of places he’d stay,” Sherman said. “He needs to improve to earn a contract… maybe he doesn’t even finish the year in pinstripes.”
There’s growing speculation that a fresh start might benefit both the pitcher and the club. Williams appears to be struggling with the pressures of playing in New York, and his value in free agency could plummet if his performance doesn’t improve. Remaining with the Yankees under these circumstances may not be sustainable.
Still, Sherman’s co-host Jon Heyman expressed skepticism about an early exit, pointing out that the Yankees likely want to give Williams more time to turn things around and that his trade value is currently low. But with the team chasing a championship and the bullpen needing reliability, the clock may be ticking for Williams to rediscover his elite form.
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