Devin Williams Trade Rumors Heat Up: Will Brewers’ Star Closer Be MLB’s Biggest Deadline Move?

ANAHEIM — Devin Williams’ fifth save of the young 2025 season was anything but routine, yet it may prove pivotal for both the embattled right-hander and a surging New York Yankees bullpen. A Ninth-Inning Tightrope Williams entered Tuesday night with a 3-0 cushion against the Los Angeles Angels, only to surrender a leadoff homer to Yoán Moncada and two more hits before recording the final out of a nail-biting 3-2 victory. Manager Aaron Boone stressed that the right-hander “bent but didn’t break,” praising the resiliency that finally halted a six-week save drought. From Milwaukee Star to Bronx Question Mark New York acquired Williams in a blockbuster winter swap with Milwaukee, banking on the 2020 NL Rookie of the Year’s devastating changeup to lock down the ninth. But early growing pains saw the closer’s ERA balloon to 11.25 after an April 25 meltdown against Toronto, costing him the role and sparking Bronx boo birds. Signs of a Turnaround Since mid-May, Williams has pieced together eight straight scoreless outings, limiting opponents to three hits and rekindling Boone’s trust. Tuesday’s shaky save nevertheless underscored lingering command issues—particularly when his signature “Airbender” changeup flattens—and leaves fantasy managers and Yankee fans monitoring every high-leverage appearance. Rodón’s Gem Overshadowed Carlos Rodón’s 10-strikeout, seven-inning masterpiece set the stage for Williams, marking New York’s first walk-free game of the season. The Yankees have now won 15 of their last 19 and own a seven-game lead in the AL East, underscoring the importance of solidifying the back end of the bullpen while the rotation dominates. What’s Next for the Yankees’ New Closer? • Usage watch: Williams has pitched in four of the last eight games; Boone hinted at more match-up based ninth innings if workload spikes. • Adjustment period: Scouts report a slight velocity dip on Williams’ four-seamer, making precise changeup location essential against right-handed power bats. • Trade hindsight: Milwaukee’s decision to deal its ace reliever now looks shrewd, but the Yankees still believe a tweaked pitch mix can restore the 1.75 career ERA he carried into 2024. Bottom Line If Williams converts a few clean saves, the conversation shifts from crisis to comeback. But each traffic-filled inning keeps pressure high in the Bronx, turning every Devin Williams appearance into must-watch television—and one of MLB’s hottest search topics in late May 2025.