The Yankees are eyeing free agent closer Devin Williams for a potential return to New York. Recent sources reported by Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon from The Athletic suggest the team is in talks with Williams’ camp.
Williams is considered one of the top free-agent closers available. He ranked 16th on our Top 50 Free Agents list, making him the second-best reliever after Edwin Diaz. Several teams are interested, including the Reds, Red Sox, Mets, Tigers, Giants, Dodgers, and Marlins, showcasing the competition for his talent.
Back in December 2024, the Yankees traded Caleb Durbin and Nestor Cortes to Milwaukee for Williams. His initial month with the team was rocky, and he lost the closer job by May. An injury to the fill-in closer, Luke Weaver, gave Williams another shot, and he performed well in June and July. However, the Yankees later acquired David Bednar, which shifted Williams back to a setup role. He ended the season strong, with 13 scoreless innings from September 7 through the postseason.
Williams expressed interest in returning to the Yankees this past October. He noted that whether he becomes a closer will influence his decision on where to play next. Although Luke Weaver is a free agent, the Yankees also have Bednar and another recent acquisition, Camilo Doval, under contract for the next season.
The Yankees aren’t just focused on Williams. General Manager Brian Cashman mentioned other players of interest, including Kyle Tucker, Kyle Schwarber, Michael King, and former Yankee Paul Goldschmidt. He also showed interest in Tatsuya Imai, a player recently posted by the Seibu Lions.
Tucker is a hot commodity this offseason, potentially garnering even more suitors than Williams. While Toronto is seen as a frontrunner for Tucker, the Yankees and Orioles are also in the mix.
In terms of roster changes, the Yankees retained outfielder Trent Grisham, who accepted the qualifying offer. However, they lost Cody Bellinger, who opted out of his contract. With Jasson Dominguez alongside Grisham and Aaron Judge, the Yankees still eye Tucker for a significant upgrade.
Cashman remains uncertain about whether the team’s payroll would exceed $300 million. Right now, FanGraphs estimates the Yankees’ payroll at around $260 million for the upcoming season. Grisham’s signing adds about $22 million to this figure. Last season, their payroll reached approximately $296 million, surpassing $300 million in 2024.
Acquiring any high-profile player, including Tucker or Williams, will likely require a long-term financial commitment. The Yankees already have significant contracts for stars like Judge, Max Fried, Gerrit Cole, and Carlos Rodon, all of which extend through at least 2028. Cashman is optimistic about maneuvering within these financial constraints, stating that the priority now is to explore available options, which vary in cost.
The buzz around these potential moves has sparked conversations among fans on social media platforms. Many are excited yet anxious about what the Yankees will do next as they aim for a stronger season.
For more on the financial aspects of the Yankees’ roster, check out RosterResource’s breakdown on their future payroll commitments.
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