As the Major League Baseball trade deadline approaches, the New York Yankees are considering adjustments within their bullpen, including discussions about right-handed reliever Devin Williams. Following recent acquisitions of David Bednar from the Pittsburgh Pirates and Jake Bird from the Colorado Rockies, the Yankees have indicated interest in potentially moving Williams before the deadline on July 31, 2025. These Devin Williams trade discussions come as the team looks to balance immediate needs with future control over players.
Williams’ Performance Spurs Rumors Amid Team’s Bullpen Transition
Devin Williams, acquired from the Milwaukee Brewers during the offseason, has struggled to meet the Yankees’ expectations this season. In 45 games and 41⅓ innings, the 30-year-old has recorded a 5.01 ERA and a WHIP of 1.137. Despite this, his 2.94 FIP indicates some bad luck, and he has maintained an impressive strikeout rate of 36.7 percent. Nonetheless, these inconsistent results have made him a topic of conversation as the Yankees weigh their bullpen options.
Joel Sherman of the New York Post confirmed that Williams’ name has surfaced in trade talks, though he stressed there is no certainty that the team will trade him.
“Devin Williams name has come up in discussions. DOES NOT mean the Yankees are trading him. Lots of names discussed this time of year. Williams a free agent after this season. Remember Bednar cannot only close, but has 1 more year of team control beyond this season.”
—Joel Sherman, New York Post
Team Control and Contract Status Affect Yankees’ Trade Strategy
One significant factor in the discussions is the difference in contract status between Williams and the recent bullpen additions. Unlike David Bednar and Jake Bird, both of whom are signed beyond this season and offer longer team control, Williams is set to become a free agent once the year concludes. This creates urgency for the Yankees to decide whether to keep him as a short-term piece or leverage him to improve other parts of the roster.
Given the lack of guaranteed years left on Williams’ contract and the presence of Bednar, who can also close and remains under control next season, the Yankees’ decision to explore trade possibilities for Williams reflects the broader strategy of securing consistent and controllable pitching.
Potential Benefits and Future Outlook for the Yankees
Devin Williams brings a strong track record to the table, including two National League Reliever of the Year awards, two All-Star appearances, and an NL Rookie of the Year honor. Such credentials would make him an attractive asset for other contenders, potentially allowing the Yankees to acquire valuable players, especially if they aim to bolster their starting rotation.
Despite the speculation, the most probable outcome is that Williams remains with New York through the deadline. However, with deadline day frequently producing unexpected moves, the Yankees’ openness to trade discussions signals a willingness to shake up the bullpen if it means strengthening the roster for a playoff push.
Continuing Coverage of Yankees’ Roster Moves
As the Yankees navigate this critical period, fans and analysts are watching closely to see how the bullpen will shape up in the final weeks of the season. The implications of the Devin Williams trade discussions extend beyond immediate pitching performance, impacting the team’s strategy for postseason success and future roster composition.
With the trade deadline passing and teams jockeying for position, the Yankees’ decisions on players like Williams will influence the franchise’s direction as they balance the urgency of winning now against managing longer-term assets.