Yankees land All-Star closer Devin Williams in blockbuster trade; Nestor Cortes and Caleb Durbin part of deal
The New York Yankees have made their second significant splash of the offseason, landing two-time All-Star closer Devin Williams from the Milwaukee Brewers on Friday. The World Series finalists reportedly sent veteran starting pitcher Nestor Cortes Jr. and top infielder prospect Caleb Durbin to the Brewers to complete the move.
The bullpen has been inconsistent at times for the New York Yankees in recent years with former closer Clay Holmes leading MLB in blown saves last season with 13. The acquisition will solidfy the back of the team's pitching staff as Devin Williams has emerged as one of the best relief pitchers in baseball.
Devin Williams has been on the trade block for some time now with the 30-year-old reliever slated for unrestricted free agency at the end of the 2025 campaign.
The Brewers have been reluctant to hand out massive contracts to their star relievers in recent years, instead opting to move them on the trade market in order to recoup value. Williams follows in the same steps of Josh Hader who was dealt in 2022.
Although the team missed out on re-signing Juan Soto, the front office has wasted little time in improving the roster as it looks to contend yet again in 2025. Not only did the Yankees land Devin Williams, but they also signed former Atlanta Braves superstar Max Fried to an eight-year, $218 million deal.
New York Yankees are reportedly sending money to the Brewers, along with Nestor Cortes and Caleb Durbin
Although the Milwaukee Brewers did not necessarily hide the fact that they were shopping Devin Williams, they still received a solid return for the veteran pitcher. The New York Yankees sent veteran southpaw Nestor Cortes and infield prospect Caleb Durbin to the Brewers. According to MLB insider Bob Nightengale, the club is also sending money to Milwaukee as part of the trade.
Cortes enjoyed a solid bounceback season after a disastrous 2023 campaign. He enjoyed a strong tenure with New York, however, after the Max Fried signing, there were a few starters who were deemed expendable. Cortes should help round out Milwaukee's rotation behind its ace Freddy Peralta.
Although Nestor Cortes might make an immediate impact in 2025, Caleb Durbin has a chance to be the real prize of the deal. The 24-year-old infielder has all of the tools to thrive in MLB. Last year across various minor league levels, Durbin posted a .275 batting average with 10 home runs, 60 RBIs and 31 stolen bases.