The New York Yankees have made a significant move to bolster their bullpen, acquiring star closer Devin Williams from the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for left-handed starter Nestor Cortes. The trade marks the end of Cortes’ tenure in the Bronx and brings a much-needed boost to the Yankees’ relief corps.
Williams, 27, has been one of the most dominant closers in the league over the past two seasons, posting a 1.93 ERA and 144 strikeouts in 93.2 innings pitched. He has been nearly unhittable, allowing just 54 hits and 14 walks while converting 42 of 46 save opportunities. The right-hander’s fastball has been clocked at over 100 mph, and his slider has been nearly untouchable, earning him a spot on the National League All-Star team in 2022.
The acquisition of Williams is a major coup for the Yankees, who have struggled to find consistency in the late innings this season. The team’s bullpen has been a weakness, with a 4.15 ERA and 15 blown saves, good for 23rd in the majors. Williams’ presence should help to stabilize the unit and provide a reliable option in the ninth inning.
In exchange for Williams, the Brewers receive Cortes, a 26-year-old left-hander who has shown flashes of brilliance in his time with the Yankees. Cortes has a 4.35 ERA in 235.2 innings pitched over parts of four seasons, but has struggled to find consistency, with a 5.23 ERA in 2023. The Brewers are likely to slot Cortes into their rotation, where he can provide some depth and potentially develop into a mid-rotation starter.
The trade marks a significant shift in the Yankees’ bullpen strategy, which had been focused on developing internal options such as Clay Holmes and Jonathan Loaisiga. While those pitchers have shown promise, the acquisition of Williams provides a proven closer who can help the team win games in the short term.
The move is also a signal that the Yankees are committed to competing in 2023, despite a slow start to the season. The team has struggled to find consistency, particularly on the pitching side, but the addition of Williams should help to stabilize the bullpen and provide a boost to the team’s overall performance.
