BREAKING: Yankees Land Two-Time All-Star Closer From Brewers in Blockbuster Trade

The New York Yankees are gearing up for a return to the World Series in 2025 after coming up short in this year’s Fall Classic. With an eye on strengthening their roster, the team is reportedly set to move on from first baseman Anthony Rizzo and second baseman Gleyber Torres while continuing negotiations on a long-term deal for superstar outfielder Juan Soto. Adding a premier starting pitcher is also on the table, but bolstering the bullpen may be just as crucial for another deep playoff push.

ESPN’s David Schoenfield has identified late-inning pitching as a top priority for the Yankees and floated an intriguing solution: trading for Milwaukee Brewers closer. “The Yankees have both Clay Holmes and Tommy Kahnle as free agents and need some late-game depth,” Schoenfield pointed out. “They should also hedge their bets on Luke Weaver repeating his dominant 2024. If he does, great—pairing Weaver and Williams would create a formidable 1-2 punch.”

Williams, one of MLB’s elite closers, would provide instant stability to a Yankees bullpen in transition. With Holmes and Kahnle potentially gone and Weaver still unproven over a full season, the Yankees could use Williams’ proven ability in high-leverage situations. Schoenfield also noted that Milwaukee might benefit from sending Williams to the American League, particularly if the Yankees offer promising starting pitching prospects to fill a need for the Brewers.

 

If the Yankees want to contend for their first championship since 2009, addressing bullpen depth alongside other key areas will be essential. A move for Williams could be the kind of bold decision that propels the Bronx Bombers back to baseball’s biggest stage.

Devin Williams, a two-time All-Star and two-time Reliever of the Year, could be a game-changing addition for the New York Yankees as they eye a return to the World Series in 2025. After beginning 2024 on the injured list due to a stress fracture in his back, Williams bounced back to log 14 saves and 38 strikeouts over 21.2 innings. Now entering his final year of contract arbitration, the Milwaukee Brewers may be motivated to trade him rather than risk losing him for nothing in free agency.

ESPN’s David Schoenfield suggested the Yankees could capitalize on this situation by offering their impressive farm system as leverage. New York boasts five pitchers ranked in their top 10 prospects, including right-hander Will Warren, who gained valuable MLB experience with five starts in 2024. Packaging Warren or another high-potential arm could make for an appealing deal to Milwaukee, particularly if they aim to build for the future.

For the Yankees, Williams represents a critical piece to a championship-caliber bullpen. With Clay Holmes and Tommy Kahnle potentially departing in free agency and Luke Weaver still needing to prove he can replicate his 2024 success, Williams would provide elite late-inning stability. A dynamic duo of Weaver and Williams could give the Yankees a significant edge in high-pressure situations, a factor that often determines postseason success.

If the Yankees are serious about ending their championship drought, a blockbuster trade for Williams might be the most decisive move they can make. Solidifying their bullpen could be the final touch to a roster poised for greatness in 2025.