MLB Trade Rumors: New York Yankees Rumors: How New York Feels About Devin Williams After Closer Demotion
The New York Yankees have a bullpen problem.
Following Devin Williams’ struggles early in the season, the Yankees are actively searching for a solution at closer. Williams, who was acquired from the Milwaukee Brewers this past offseason, has yet to meet expectations — and now appears to be losing his grip on the closer role, according to USA Today.
Despite the rough start, the Yankees still believe Williams can eventually reclaim his place at the back end of the bullpen.
Through his first 10 appearances, Williams has posted an alarming 11.25 ERA, blowing several key leads.
“When you go from a small market to New York, it’s a different animal,’’ one executive told USA Today. “It just takes a while to get acclimated. He’ll be all right.’’
The adjustment from Milwaukee to the bright lights of New York has been tough, and it hit a low point Friday when Williams surrendered three runs in a loss to the Toronto Blue Jays — extending the Yankees' recent skid.
After the game, Yankees manager Aaron Boone made it clear that while changes could be coming, the organization is not giving up on Williams.
“We’ll still talk through this. I haven’t seen Devin yet. We’ll try to do what’s best for the team and Devin,” Boone said, per MLB.com. “We’ll just get through this bump in the road. I’m still expecting great things.”
The Yankees faced Toronto again in a Sunday doubleheader, looking for a much-needed rebound.
Yankees Are Struggling With a New-Look Roster
Coming off a trip to the World Series last season, expectations were sky-high in the Bronx. However, the Yankees have looked shaky to start 2025. A failed attempt to re-sign Juan Soto in free agency, departures of several key players, and significant injuries — including losing ace Gerrit Cole for the season — have all contributed to their early struggles.
Meanwhile, the bullpen, once a strength, has become a major concern.
“I know the results haven’t been great yet,” Boone added. “A lot of the stuff is still there. The profile of the changeup is still there. Obviously, hitters have had success. He doesn’t have the swing and miss. He has been behind in the count. Once he starts flipping that and starts getting some count leverage, I expect him to be the dominant closer he has been.”
Still, it's clear the Yankees' revamped roster has yet to fully gel. At 15–11 heading into Sunday's games, New York remains a playoff contender — but if the bullpen issues persist, the Yankees’ hopes of a return to the World Series could fade quickly.
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