The New York Yankees may be doubling down. After trading for Devin Williams last year, they have reportedly talked to his agents about a reunion. According to multiple reports, Williams and the Yankees’ representatives recently discussed a possible return to New York, even as other contenders such as the Los Angeles Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays circle the free-agent market.
Williams’ tenure in pinstripes during the 2025 season was far from ideal. In 67 appearances, he finished with a 4.79 ERA and a 1.13 WHIP, recording 18 saves over 62.0 innings with 90 strikeouts. With the fans in the Bronx loudly calling for it every time he took the mound, Williams also lost the closer’s role early in the season when the Yankees removed him from that duty.
On the surface, the numbers suggest a misstep.
But dig deeper and there’s reason for optimism.
Despite the elevated ERA, Williams still ranked among baseball’s elite in underlying metrics. He posted a whiff rate around 37.7% and a chase rate of roughly 35%, with strong strike-percentage marks according to Baseball Savant. He remains a pitcher with a dominant changeup–fastball mix and a track record of elite performance (including two NL Reliever of the Year awards).
The Yankees have David Bednar as their likely closer for 2026. He closed the season pitching the ninth, so Williams may be looking at setting up if he returns to the Bronx. Though he expressed interest in a return to New York, Williams never seemed comfortable in pinstripes.
With Williams entering free agency and generating interest from clubs including the Dodgers and Blue Jays, the Yankees may view him as an asset they already know in what is always an uncertain market.
He immediately boosts the high-leverage window if the Yankees re-sign him. If he can reset his form, the Yankees gain a late-inning weapon without devoting top prospect capital. Given his prior success and underlying quality, Williams isn’t a gamble so much as a reclamation play. New York may well make him a familiar name as they look to stabilise their bullpen ahead of their next push.
