Yankees Eyeing Big Bullpen Addition: Trading for Brewers’ Devin Williams
The New York Yankees are looking to make a splash in their bullpen and trading for Milwaukee Brewers closer Devin Williams could be the answer. After a disappointing 82-80 performance in 2023, the Yankees have been busy making roster additions to improve their team. Acquiring Williams would be a significant move for the Bronx Bombers and would round out their offseason on a high note.
According to Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer, trading for Williams would be a “win-win” situation for both teams. The proposed trade would involve the Brewers sending Williams to the Yankees in exchange for a pair of New York’s top prospects. The details of the trade are as follows:
One of the prospects included in the trade is Hampton, who is currently playing at the Double-A level. He was ranked as the Yankees’ fourth-best prospect after the 2023 season. The other prospect, Mayea, is an 18-year-old player who has only played in Rookie Ball so far. He was listed as New York’s ninth-best prospect.
While giving up two top-10 prospects may seem like a steep price for a relief pitcher, Williams has proven to be worth it. He won the 2020 National League Rookie of the Year Award and has consistently performed well on the mound. With a career ERA of 1.73 over his most recent 119.1 innings, Williams has established himself as one of the top relievers in the league.
The addition of Williams would give Yankees manager Aaron Boone an elite option for the ninth inning, allowing Clay Holmes to move into an eighth-inning setup role. General manager Brian Cashman has already made several bullpen acquisitions for the 2024 season, but adding Williams would solidify the team’s pitching staff.
In addition to their bullpen moves, the Yankees have also made significant additions to their rotation and outfield. Starting pitcher Marcus Stroman was signed in free agency, while Alex Verdugo, Trent Grisham, and Juan Soto were acquired via trades. Despite these moves, there are still rumors circulating that the Yankees may make another trade before the start of the season.
According to SNY’s Andy Martino, the Yankees are not completely satisfied with their offseason work to bolster their pitching staff. Martino speculates that a spring training trade for a pitcher wouldn’t be surprising. As the Yankees continue to make moves to improve their team, acquiring Williams would be a major statement and could be the final piece of the puzzle for their bullpen.
Yankees Eyeing Bullpen Upgrade: Could Trevor Williams Be the Answer?
In the quest to strengthen their roster, the New York Yankees are considering all options. While many speculate that they will focus on acquiring another starting pitcher, the availability of free-agent hurler Blake Snell has kept the possibility of a rotation upgrade alive. However, there is another area where the Yankees could use some reinforcement – the backend of their bullpen.
According to a report by The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal, the Yankees are exploring the idea of building a “super-charged bullpen” if their preferred rotation options don’t pan out. Rosenthal mentioned several potential targets, including Josh Hader, Jordan Hicks, and Robert Stephenson. Unfortunately, all three of these pitchers have already signed with other teams.
If Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman wants to avoid spending top dollar in free agency and is willing to part with some prospects, acquiring Trevor Williams could be a smart move. Williams is currently under contract with a base salary of $7 million in 2024, and the team has a club option for 2025 worth $10.5 million.
Williams would bring much-needed depth and stability to the Yankees’ bullpen without putting a strain on their finances. His addition could significantly improve the team’s chances of success in the upcoming season.
As the Yankees continue to explore their options, it remains to be seen whether they will prioritize upgrading their starting rotation or bolstering their bullpen. One thing is for sure – the team is determined to make the necessary moves to compete for a championship. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.