The post-Juan Soto era of New York Yankees baseball appears to be emphasizing pitching more than anything else.
The Bronx Bombers bolstered their bullpen by acquiring closer Devin Williams from the Milwaukee Brewers on Friday
The Yankees are sending left-handed starter Nestor Cortes, infield prospect Caleb Durbin and cash considerations to the Brewers
Williams, a righty, is a former rookie of the year and two-time All-Star. The 30-year-old has a career 27-10 record with a 1.83 ERA. Through 235.2 innings pitched, he's racked up 68 saves and 375 strikeouts.
During the second of his back-to-back All-Star campaigns between 2022-23, Williams finished 19th in NL MVP voting as his 36 saves were the sixth most in all of baseball.
That momentum struggled to carry over to 2024 however, as an injury-riddled season limited him to just 21.2 innings pitched in 22 appearances. Williams finished the year with a 1-0 record and 1.25 ERA while picking up 14 saves. He played in two post-season contests for the Brewers in 2024, allowing four runs through his 1.2 innings pitched.
It's the latest pitching addition for New York after the Yankees recently signed Max Fried to the largest guaranteed contract for a left-handed pitcher in baseball history. The 30-year-old spent the first eight seasons of his major league career with the Atlanta Braves and had a 3.25 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, and 166 strikeouts over 174.1 innings in 2024.
On the other side, the Brewers avoid having to decide on Williams' impending free agency next year. Milwaukee declined a $10.5 million club option in favor of a $250,000 buyout last month, making Williams eligible for arbitration.
In the process, they pick up a serviceable starter in Cortes. The All-Star two seasons ago is coming off a 9-10 campaign in 2024, putting up a 3.77 ERA. Cortes started 30 games for the Yankees last season, pitching 174.1 innings and racking up 162 strikeouts. His 1.15 WHIP was 24th in all of baseball.
Unfortunately for him, Cortes' lasting legacy with New York will be giving up a walk-off home run to Freddie Freeman in the bottom of the 10th inning in Game 1 of the 2024 World Series.
Meanwhile, the Brewers also get a do-it-all prospect in Durbin. In 1,216 minor league plate appearances, he has slashed .269/.374/.407 with 110 stolen bases. He's had reps at multiple positions including second and third base, shortstop and centre field.
-- with files from the Associated Press
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