Particle.news

Download on the App Store

Devin Williams Open to Yankees Reunion as He Tests Free Agency

His preference to close complicates a return because David Bednar now handles the ninth inning in New York.

Overview

  • Williams said he is "definitely open" to rejoining the Yankees and noted that his desire to close "depends on the scenario."
  • The right-hander endured a rocky year with a 4.79 ERA and 18 saves, then finished strong with nine straight scoreless September outings and four scoreless postseason innings.
  • New York traded Nestor Cortes and Caleb Durbin to acquire Williams, then added Camilo Doval and David Bednar at the deadline, with Bednar taking over the closer role and recording 10 saves and a 2.19 ERA down the stretch.
  • Durability bolstered Williams' market case as he set career highs with 62 innings and 67 appearances after back stress fractures limited his final season in Milwaukee.
  • With Bednar and Doval under team control and a deep reliever market, analysts question the Yankees' incentive to re-sign Williams, though some have suggested a qualifying-offer route.