Yankees Land Star Closer in Blockbuster Three-Player Trade Proposal

The New York Yankees are set for a very active offseason.

Their priority will be exploring a new deal for free-agent slugger Juan Soto. And president of baseball operations Brian Cashman has confirmed that the team checked in on slugger Pete Alonso as well.

But the team also might be exploring the winter trade market, with an eye toward reinforcing a bullpen that faced questions throughout the second half of the 2024 season. Reviewing the potential landing spots for Milwaukee Brewers closer Devin Williams, who just saw his $10.5 million club option for 2025 declined, Bleacher Report’s Zachary Rymer proposed a major trade that could land the reliever in New York.

“Granted, the Yankees need to be more focused on re-signing Juan Soto and otherwise filling out their infield,” Rymer noted. “But relief help should be among their top priorities, and their contention window aligns with Williams’ free-agency timeline.”

Rymer proposed that the Yankees send Will Warren and Brock Selvidge, a pair of top-ranked pitching prospects, to the Brewers in exchange for Williams.

“The Yankees’ problem is they’re short on valuable trade chips,” he added. “They don’t have much in the way of expendable MLB talent, and their farm system is the second-worst in MLB. This package probably wouldn’t impress Brewers fans, though the team would get at least one MLB-ready pitcher out of it. That’s Warren, who notably limited hitters to a 2-for-27 showing against his fastball in the majors this year.”

The Brewers might not be able to expect much more for Williams, though he was the 2023 National League Trevor Hoffman Award winner and is a two-time All-Star.

He missed the start of the 2024 season with a shoulder injury, then proceeded to rack up 14 saves in 21.2 innings with a 1.25 ERA. But his postseason record might give the Yankees or other trade suitors pause as they seek deep playoff runs. He has a 23.14 ERA with six earned runs in 2 1/3 career postseason innings.

Plus, Williams would be a one-year rental for any trade destination, as he’s set for free agency after the 2025 season.

Weighing the pros and cons, a low-risk deal to add Williams could make sense for the Yankees. Their opening closer from 2024, Clay Holmes, is a free agent, as is reliever Tommy Kahnle. If they are hoping that Luke Weaver can maintain the closer role in 2025, a blockbuster for Williams might provide some valuable insurance.

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