TL;DR
- New York Yankees are in talks with free agent Devin Williams about a potential reunion.
- Williams had a 4.79 ERA with the Yankees in 2025, but showed promise in playoffs.
- The Yankees are also reportedly eyeing a trade for a $6.5 million All-Star left-handed ace.
- The Yankees expect to acquire a Cy Young winner for $22.5 million to strengthen their rotation.
This winter, the New York Yankees are poised to be among the busiest teams. Given their substantial payroll, the Yankees are expected to investigate numerous possible acquisitions throughout the offseason.
Trent Grisham has returned after accepting the $22.025 million Qualifying Offer, and Cody Bellinger might also come back. However, the bullpen is a crucial area of the roster that needs attention.
Devin Williams is set to become a free agent and might move to a different club. However, according to Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon of The Athletic reports, the Yankees and Williams are currently in talks about him returning this winter.
Yankees and Devin Williams are reportedly in talks about a potential free agent reunion.
"The Yankees and the camp for free agent late-inning reliever Devin Williams recently discussed the potential for a possible reunion, league sources said." Rosenthal and Sammon write.
Bringing the experienced relief pitcher back would be advantageous for New York, despite his first tenure there not unfolding as anticipated.
Williams' 2025 season with The Yankees saw him post a 4.79 ERA, accumulating four victories against six defeats over 67 appearances. His ERA+ of 85 marked the lowest point in his seven-year Major League Baseball tenure.
He was a two-time All-Star with the Milwaukee Brewers, but regressed significantly once he joined the Yankees.
Despite his difficulties, the Yankees are keen to re-sign him. His 0.00 ERA across four playoff appearances offers sufficient encouragement for The Yankees to anticipate that performance returning for the 2026 regular season and subsequent years.
His career ERA is 2.45, making his 4.79 ERA in 2025 a significant anomaly. Should he regain his previous form from his tenure in Milwaukee, Williams might become a vital asset to a team's bullpen in 2026.
Rosenthal and Sammon report that the Yankees are working to finalize an agreement with Williams and his representatives. The 31-year-old relief pitcher has significant interest from other teams, presenting a challenge for The Yankees.
A reunion between Williams and the Yankees seems quite likely, especially since Williams is open to returning and the Yankees are keen on having him back, following a short stint in free agency.
More Yankees News:
- Yankees' Devin Williams reveals feelings about free agent return to New York
- The Yankees are expected to acquire a Cy Young winner for $22.5 million, forming a formidable starting rotation led by Gerrit Cole.
- Yankees' Anthony Volpe undergoes shoulder surgery amid injury-plagued season
- Yankees' former home run champion signs new contract in Japan