The New York Yankees announced today that they have acquired two-time All-Star and National League Reliever of the Year RHP Devin Williams from the Milwaukee Brewers. In exchange, the Yankees sent LHP Nestor Cortes, INF Caleb Durbin, and cash considerations to the Brewers.
Williams, 30, impressed in 2024, going 1-0 with 14 saves and a 1.25 ERA over 21.2 innings. His return from a back stress fracture showcased his dominance, as he ranked second in strikeout rate (43.2%) and third in strikeouts per nine innings (15.78) in the National League during that span. His 14 saves from August 10 to the season’s end tied him for the most in the Majors.
Over his six-year career with the Brewers (2019-24), Williams has a 27-10 record, 68 saves, and a 1.83 ERA in 241 relief appearances. His career slash line against opponents is an impressive .157/.266/.247. Since 2020, he leads Major League relievers in opponents’ batting average (.145) and opponents’ slugging percentage (.227). He also ranks second in ERA (1.70) and strikeout rate (40.8%). Notably, Williams has not allowed a run in 130 of his 148 relief appearances since 2022, boasting a 1.66 ERA over that period.
In 2023, Williams earned the Trevor Hoffman National League Reliever of the Year award with an 8-3 record, 36 saves, and a 1.53 ERA. He also won the award in 2020, alongside being named the National League Jackie Robinson Rookie of the Year. His effectiveness with runners in scoring position is evident, holding opponents to a .078/.280/.156 slash line since 2023.
The St. Louis native was drafted by Milwaukee in the second round of the 2013 First-Year Player Draft.
Cortes, 30, has a career record of 33-21 with a 3.80 ERA over seven Major League seasons with the Orioles, Yankees, and Mariners. In 2024, he went 9-10 with a 3.77 ERA in 31 games (30 starts) for the Yankees. Originally drafted by the Yankees in the 36th round of the 2013 draft, Cortes rejoined the team as a minor league free agent in December 2020.
Durbin, 24, has a minor league batting average of .269/.374/.407 over 281 career games. In 2024, he hit .275/.388/.451 across three levels, including Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Durbin was initially drafted by the Braves in the 14th round of the 2021 First-Year Player Draft and joined the Yankees in a trade for LHP Lucas Luetge in December 2022.
