The 2025 season could not have been an easy one to navigate for reliever Devin Williams. The New York Yankees acquired the right-hander from the Milwaukee Brewers with hopes that he would be their lockdown closer.
Due to his struggles on the mound, Williams lost the closer’s spot by May. He performed better in low-leverage situations but also had a strong last month or so of the year, finishing the postseason with four scoreless outings.
The question looming is whether the Yankees want Williams, a free agent, to return. After New York’s Game 4 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays on Wednesday night at Yankee Stadium, the two-time All-Star reflected on the season and what the future holds for him.
Williams Says He ‘Definitley’ Wants to Return
Williams received a lot of boos from Yankees fans due to blown saves and horrid innings throughout the year. He posted a career high 4.79 ERA and had -0.3 WAR in 67 games. But that doesn’t seem to affect his viewpoint on a potential return to New York.
âAt first it was a challenge, but Iâve grown to love being here,â Williams said in a discussion with reporters after the game. âI love this city. I love taking the train to the field every day. Yeah, I really enjoyed my experience here.â
When asked if he was open to signing a new contract with the Yankees, Williams had an answer that would have shocked everyone just a few months ago.
“I’m definitely open to that,” Williams told reporters via Anthony Rieber of Newsday Sports. “It takes two parties for that, you know, but I would definitely be open to that.”
Postseason Highlights
Williams gave the Yankees a great effort in their win in Game 3 against the Blue Jays. It was the first time all season he had recorded more than three outs, and he received a standing ovation from the Yankee Stadium crowd as he left the field with New York leading 9-6 with one out in the eighth inning.
The same fans who became increasingly frustrated with Williams for playing a significant role in the Yankees’ new facial hair policy, allowing players to have well-groomed beards. He was one of the players the organization hoped would be key in winning a 28th World Series title.
“It didnât help that Williams had been brought in as part of the Yankeesâ pivot after losing Juan Soto in free agency, and most of their other moves had been successful, with Cody Bellinger, Paul Goldschmidt, and Max Fried proving to be key offseason additions,” The Athletic’s Brendan Kuty wrote about Williams’ poor start to the year.
Williams entered Game 4 with one out in the seventh inning in relief of starter Cam Schlittler. Ernie Clement singled, and Andres Gimenez reached on a fielder’s choice against the rookie. Williams struck out George Springer, but Nathan Lukes lined a ball over the outstretched arm of leaping shortstop Anthony Volpe for a two-run single. The knock put the Blue Jays ahead 4-1, but the runs were not the doing of Williams.
There will be several bullpen arms for the Yankees to consider in free agency, but they may start by evaluating Williams’ potential future with the club.
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