YANKEES DEAL FOR CLOSER DEVIN WILLIAMS
The New York Yankees acquired pitcher Devin Williams from the Milwaukee Brewers for pitcher Nestor Cortes and infielder Caleb Durbin.
What does it give the New York Yankees
In Williams, the Yankees add one of the best relievers in baseball. Clay Holmes closed games for New York last season, but he struggled with consistency at times and departed for the Mets in free agency. Williams will be their new closer. He arrives in New York after missing most of last year with a back injury. But he was his usual dominant self in his 22 appearances, allowing just three runs and striking out 38 in 21.2 innings. The 30-year-old right-hander should pick up many saves as the Yankees try to contend again in 2025.
What does it give the Milwaukee Brewers
With Williams one year away from free agency, the Brewers elected to trade him for pitching depth and a quality prospect. Cortes should slot into the middle of their rotation, after establishing himself as a reliable starter with the Yankees the past few seasons. He made 30 starts in 2024 and finished with a 3.77 ERA. Meanwhile, Durbin is now among the Brewers' better infield prospects. The 5'6" 24-year-old is known for his speed on the base paths, and he can hit for some power too. He could make his MLB debut as soon as this season.
Fantasy impact
Williams should benefit the most from this trade. The Yankees will likely be among the top teams again next season, which probably means many save opportunities for him. He just has to stay healthy. In his place, Brewers pitchers like Trevor Megill, Joel Payamps and Abner Uribe may be in line for saves, which gives them a boost. As for Cortes, he could benefit from the change of scenery (after facing AL East hitters for a number of years). And when Durbin arrives in the MLB, his stolen bases will certainly interest fantasy managers.
