Yankees’ high-leverage reliever predicted to be brought back in free agency

The New York Yankees will have a decision to make on reliever Devin Williams, after quite the up-and-down season, the Yankees will evaluate if he’s worth bringing back or not.

Williams was traded to the Yankees prior to last season from the Milwaukee Brewers. At the time, Williams was considered by some to be one of the best relievers in baseball. That notion didn’t translate to 2025, as Williams pitched to a 4-6 record with a 4.79 ERA, and four blown saves in his first season with the Yankees. Williams started to pitch much better after being removed from the closer’s role permanently over the summer. 

Now a free agent this winter, many wonder what is next for Williams. After the Yankees were eliminated in the ALDS by the Toronto Blue Jays, Williams made it clear that he’s willing to come back to New York despite the challenges he faced in 2025. Sports Illustrated’s Zach Pressnell expects Williams to be brought back for 2026. 

“If Williams is willing to sign a small one- or two-year contract, the Yankees could look to re-sign him this winter,” Pressnell said. 

Additionally, reliever Luke Weaver is also a free agent this winter, giving the Yankees numerous decisions to be made on the back-end of their bullpen. Over the course of the next few months, the Yankees will address their struggling bullpen from this past season in hopes of solving their high-leverages woes.