NFL
By Billy Lewis:
One of the New York Yankees big offseason moves was the acquisition of closer Devin Williams. Williams was the closer at the beginning of the season until ineffectiveness saw Luke Weaver slide back into the role he ended 2024 in.
Weaver has once again been a dominant closer for the first two months of the season. However, he strained his hamstring warming up in the Dodger Stadium bullpen Sunday Night. Weaver’s injury may keep him out for 4-6 weeks.
This injury will open the door for Williams’ second act as Yankee closer. Some early season struggles can be attributed to the weather, as it was a cold grotesque start to the baseball season. As our calendars hit June, the weather should be finally warming up.
The Yankees have been off to a great start to the 2025 season and some of that could help relieve some pressure from Williams. He has been an elite closer in his career, and I’d expect him to get back to those levels.
Devin Williams Potential
Williams does have a little extra motivation to get back to form. he will be a free agent at the end of this season. If Williams performs to the back of his baseball card with Weaver on the IL, he’ll be able to help himself in contract negotiations.
To the Yankees benefit, a lockdown Williams will help their bullpen stretch even deeper. A lockdown duo of Weaver and Williams can theoretically help shorten a 9-inning game into a 7-inning game.
Williams has gotten the job done in two appearances since Weaver went on the shelf. Despite a shaky appearance against the Cleveland Guardians, he was able to close the door with a save.
His most recent chance against the Red Sox Friday night was more dominant. He allowed one runner with a hit by pitch but got three outs against four batters. He ended the game with a strikeout to notch his seventh save of the season.
Williams is going to have a stretch to show the Yankees he is still the pitcher they traded for, and I have a feeling he is going to lock it down and continue to build up confidence.
