Yankees urged to move on from reliever after failed prove-it deal

Last winter, the New York Yankees acquired two-time All-Star closer Devin Williams from the Milwaukee Brewers. The fanbase was more than happy to see their team roster an elite closer, but that joy quickly faded. 

He has looked like a shell of himself in the Bronx. He has struggled to keep runs off the board and close out games, leading to his demotion from closer to being a high-leverage reliever in April. 

Williams signed a one-year, $8.6 million prove-it deal ahead of the 2025 season. After the season comes to a close, he will become a free agent, and the Yankees must decide if they want to put this frustrating year behind them or let him play elsewhere next season. 

Devin Williams has not done much to deserve another contract with the Yankees. His failures have put the team in a tough spot, and they will likely look to make a universal bullpen overhaul over the winter. 

Yanks Go Yard's Henry Palattella argues that this choice should be rather easy. Despite having some good outings lately, his time in the Bronx is likely over. 

"There's a chance Williams saves some face with Yankees fans thanks to a strong postseason run, but it's likely that even an October surge won't be enough to get him to return to the Bronx. Outside of a few shocking performances against the Red Sox and some desperation heaves in Minnesota, he's mostly been relegated to low leverage lately. He's riding an upward trajectory right now, but it's still hard to imagine he'll be brought back."

It is becoming more likely that Williams will be playing elsewhere next season. Fansided's Robert Murray points to the Los Angeles Dodgers, a reunion with the Milwaukee Brewers, or the Tampa Bay Rays as potential suitors.