The Yankees went big-game hunting early in December with the signing of Max Fried. Now, an All-Star reliever is joining their pitching staff. Devin Williams is reportedly joining the Yankees via trade for two players, as Nestor Cortes and infield prospect Caleb Durbin are set to head to the Brewers.

The Yankees’ Return

• RP Devin Williams (1.25 ERA, 14 SV, 38 K over 21.2 IP)

New Yankees reliever Devin Williams has been among the game’s elite relievers over the last four seasons, even though he wasn’t a closer over all that time. The 2020 NL Rookie of the Year ranked 11th in baseball in total strikeouts (308) between 2021-24, and fourth-best adjusted for K/9 (14.2).

The only relievers with better strikeout rates in that span were former teammate Josh Hader, Aroldis Chapman, and Edwin Diaz.

Not to mention, Williams posted strong 1.89 ERA/2.43 FIP numbers in that span.

Williams primarily works with three pitches, one of which is a change-of-pace cutter. His other fastball is a four-seamer that sits in the mid-90s and speeds up on hitters thanks to plus extension (98th percentile). And, it plays very well of his best offering.

The crown jewel of Williams’ arsenal is his “Airbender” changeup. Traditionally, changeups don’t have much spin because of the grip used on the ball. But Williams’ changeup has incredibly high spin (2,720 average RPM in 2024), coupled with elite movement. His changeup ran on average 5.2 in. more than the average pitch in 2024, while its drop was 8.4 in. better.

What does that mean? A lot of hitters whiffing on the changeup, an incredibly tough pitch to pinpoint. Opposing batters whiffed on it 48.8% of the time last season.

His changeup is a dominant weapon against both lefties and righties, even though the pitch is traditionally more effective against opposite-side batters.

Injuries have been the only problem in Williams’ career as a reliever thus far. The 30-year-old broke his hand in September 2021 punching a wall, which ended his season right before the MLB Playoffs. A back stress fracture sidelined Williams for more than half the 2024 campaign.

Williams had a $10.5MM team option that was rejected by the Brewers in the winter. However, the 30-year-old still has one year of arbitration eligiblity left before Williams can hit free agency,

The Brewers’ Return

• SP Nestor Cortes (3.77 ERA, 162 K over 174.1 IP)
• 2B Caleb Durbin (.275/.388/.451, 10 HR and 37 XBH over 90 G (A, AA, and AAA))

Two seasons ago, Nestor Cortes won 12 games, posted a 2.44 ERA, and was incredibly adept at limiting hard contact. The 2023 season was essentially a wash. Cortes got back on track in 2024, despite what was an uneven season at times.

Cortes gave up 19 runs over 24.2 IP in July which temporarily pushed him to the bullpen. The 30-year-old got back on track and posted sub-3.00 ERA numbers in August and September. However, a flexor strain shut him down late and didn’t pitch again until the World Series.

Cortes could be considered a pitcher’s pitcher, one who doesn’t have premium stuff on paper but has a knack for fooling hitters. Not only will the 30-year-old often lower his arm slot at times to throw hitters off but also generate a ton of induced movement off his stuff.

The lefty has one of the best “rising” fastballs in the game, with an average of 19.2” of IVB on the four-seamer last season. It was as high as 19.8” (3.8 in. above average) two seasons ago, a year that saw Cortes strike out 163 in his best career season.

His fastball is part of a diverse arsenal, one that also includes a changeup, sinker, sweeper, cutter, and occasional slider. That arsenal gives Cortes numerous weapons to work with.

However, Cortes still wasn’t as effective in 2024, despite being relatively healthy aside from a flexor strain late. Cortes struggled with execution, and arguably the biggest example of that was a fastball that got too much plate against Freddie Freeman in Game 1 of the World Series. That got the train moving for the Dodgers.

Getting too much plate was a problem for Cortes in 2024. The lefty often saw his sweeper get away too much away from him, as well too many barrels off the fastball. At the same time, there were also several pitches last season — particularly sweepers — that were hit off him that weren’t exactly poorly-executed (either because it down far enough or in enough) that still got hit.

Cortes is eligible for free agency after the 2025 season.

The other piece involved in the deal is Caleb Durbin, acquired two years ago from Atlanta for Lucas Luetge. Durbin is a late bloomer, one drafted out of Division III Washington University in St. Louis four years ago. The 25-year-old hit .304/.395/.427 (.822 OPS) across two levels in 2023, then posted a .839 OPS in 2024.

The 25-year-old then broke out in the Arizona Fall League, as Durbin broke the single-season mark for stolen bases (29) in the league and hit .312 (.975 OPS) with five home runs down in Arizona.

Durbin can be considered a toolsy infielder with upside. He’s got a clean, short swing with some pop, coupled with very good speed, an asset Durbin showed off extensively in the Minors. Not to mention, a penchant to work his way on base. During the AFL season, Durbin walked 17 times over 24 games, compared to just six strikeouts.

Durbin primarily played second in the Minors. The 25-year-old does have limited experience in left & center field, and spent some time at third and short.

Analysis

There were rumors for weeks regarding a possible Devin Williams, for a few reasons. One, the Brewers were likely going to keep their payroll slim, which could be partially attributed to loss of TV revenues. Second, a Williams trade would — in theory — allow Milwaukee to gain assets, especially since the Brewers have relief depth.

Trevor Megill showcased how good he could be as a closer last season. Megill has a hard fastball/curve combo and notched 21 saves in Williams’ absence. The 30-year-old Megill also has three years of team control remaining.

Other relievers, like Jared Koenig, Elvis Peguero, and Joel Payamps, were also effective last season.

Starting pitching depth, however, was a concern and need for the Brewers this offseason. Milwaukee won’t have Robert Gasser, a good pitcher who underwent Tommy John last summer, available in 2025. Colin Rea and Joe Ross, two innings eaters from 2024, are also off the roster.

Cortes proved he can be a good innings eater in New York. And as we mentioned earlier in the week when Max Fried was signed, Cortes likely wouldn’t have been a rotation option in The Bronx, anyway.

The Yankees were able to get an elite reliever in Williams, someone who could be extended past 2025. Williams is one fo those great relievers who’s hard to come by and will likely slot in as Yankees closer next season.

Luke Weaver was very good in that role. But now, the Yankees can shift him back into a versatile arm who could pitch two innings every now and then, and not have to worry too much about usage.