The New York Yankees could bring back a familiar name to help solidify the backend of the bullpen.
New York made a bold trade to acquire Devin Williams last offseason, and he had mixed results. Williams struggled early on, but he did find success in the second half of the year as he was removed as the closer and became a set-up man.
Now, as Williams has become a free agent, several teams have shown interest in him. Yet, MLB insider Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic revealed the Yankees and Williams are discussing a return to the Bronx.
“The Yankees and the camp for free agent late-inning reliever Devin Williams recently discussed the potential for a possible reunion, league sources said,” Rosenthal wrote. “Williams is garnering widespread interest, but the Yankees have at least maintained contact with the right-hander after he spent an up-and-down 2025 season in the Bronx.”
Williams would join a bullpen that features David Bednar and Camilo Doval as their closer and top setup man.
However, Rosenthal isn’t sure how likely a reunion with Williams and the Yankees is. But the two sides are back talking, which is intriguing.
“It’s unclear how likely a reunion is with Williams, 31,” Rosenthal added. “In the closer market, Williams resides behind Edwin Díaz, likely in a tier with Robert Suarez. The Los Angeles Dodgers, Cincinnati Reds, Boston Red Sox and New York Mets are among the teams that have been connected to Williams so far this offseason.”
Williams went 4-6 with a 4.79 ERA in 67 games last season with the Yankees.
Williams Discusses Playing for Yankees
As the offseason began, Williams was asked about his year, and he admitted that playing in New York was tough.
Williams said that the beginning of the year was tough, but he was glad he was able to turn it around. Yet, he said it was a special place to play and he did enjoy it.
“I kind of got the complete experience,” Williams said. “I started off bad. They’re booing me as I come out of the bullpen. So, obviously, I got the worst of it at the beginning. And then in the end, I think against Toronto, they gave me a standing ovation as I’m coming off the mound. I got the full experience.
“It’s a unique place to play. It’s a special place to play. They have a lot of history, a fan base that wants to win, and a fan base that is very passionate about their team. So it was really cool to experience something like that. To be able to say that I played for that team for at least a year will be something really cool to look back on.”
In the playoffs, Williams went 1-0 with a 0.00 ERA in 4 games.
What is Williams Expected to Get in Free Agency?
Despite Williams’ up-and-down season, he’s still one of the top relievers available.
MLBTradeRumors predicts Williams will sign a four-year, $68 million deal in free agency.
“Williams’ time in New York went poorly enough that the Yankees chose not to issue a qualifying offer. That supports Williams pursuing the best possible multiyear deal this winter, as an elite bounceback season in 2026 would surely result in a QO,” the article read.
Williams is a two-time All-Star and two-time NL Reliever of the Year.
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