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yesterday

Devin Williams’ Late-Season Uptick Reopens Yankees’ High-Leverage Options

A measurable changeup improvement coincides with the Yankees seeking stability before October.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 25: Devin Williams #38 of the New York Yankees reacts after he is pulled from the game in the ninth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium on April 25, 2025 in the Bronx borough of New York City. The Toronto Blue Jays defeated the New York Yankees 4-2. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
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Overview

  • Williams has logged five straight scoreless outings since a four-run blowup in Houston, including stabilizing eighth innings in Boston and Minnesota this week.
  • He was removed from the closer role twice earlier this season, and with David Bednar finishing games the Yankees are weighing Williams as a late-inning bridge.
  • New York’s relief corps owns one of MLB’s worst ERAs since Aug. 1 despite adding Bednar, Camilo Doval and Jake Bird, with recent meltdowns from Fernando Cruz and Luke Weaver.
  • Analysts cite a lower arm slot and a jump in his changeup’s Stuff+ as drivers of the rebound, though he still carries career highs in hard-hit rate and exit velocity with a career-low strikeout rate.
  • Acquired from Milwaukee for Nestor Cortes and Caleb Durbin, Williams now draws renewed trust discussions as teammates like Weaver publicly back him despite his uneven 2025 and past postseason struggles.