It wasn’t a great start to the 2025 season for Devin Williams of the New York Yankees. After the Yankees acquired him in a blockbuster deal with the Milwaukee Brewers during the offseason, the hope was for the right-hander to be one of the better relievers in Major League Baseball again. Instead, Williams lost his closer role for the Yankees, posting an ERA above 10.00 for much of the year.
As the Yankees look for him to be much better, Aaliyan Mohammed of The Sporting News predicted that he could be traded to the Philadelphia Phillies, who would love to add a pitcher of his caliber after the latest news on Jose Alvarado.
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“The Yankees gave up Nestor Cortes and Caleb Durbin to acquire Williams. While he has struggled, he is showing some signs of life. He has not allowed a run in five straight outings and has struck out the side twice in that span. When Williams is at his best, he is arguably the best closer in the game.
New York Yankees closer Devin Williams reacts to fans’ chants after blowing the save against the Toronto Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium.© Brad Penner-Imagn Images
“However, that does not change the fact that he has not looked like himself for most of this season, and could leave in free agency. If the Yankees are comfortable with their bullpen without Williams, they could try to take advantage of the Phillies’ desperation and trade Williams,” he wrote.
Williams has struggled a bunch this year, but he’s picked it up in recent outings, lowering his ERA from 10.03 to 7.31 since May 5.
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He’s also struck out hitters at a promising rate again, something the Yankees or the Phillies would love to have or continue to have in the back end of the season.
Related: Former GM Urges Phillies Not To Pick Up Alvarado’s Option Amid Suspension