Yankees trading for Brewers closer Devin Williams

The Yankees are adding a huge piece to their bullpen, with New York finalizing a trade for Brewers closer Devin Williams, per multiple reports.

In exchange for Williams, the Yanks are sending left-handed pitcher Nestor Cortes, infield prospect Caleb Durbin, and cash considerations to Milwaukee.

The 30-year-old Williams, who will earn roughly $8.4 million in 2025, is set for free agency after the season.

Williams, one of the truly elite relievers in baseball, features a four-seam fastball and dastardly changeup that is nicknamed the “airbender.”

He missed the first four months of the 2024 season due to stress fractures in his back, but was dominant upon his return. In 21.2 innings over 22 games during the regular season, Williams had a 1.25 ERA (2.06 FIP) and 0.96 WHIP with 38 strikeouts — a rate of 15.8 per nine.

In six big league seasons, Williams has a 1.83 ERA (2.39 FIP) and 1.02 WHIP with 375 strikeouts in 235.2 innings over 241 appearances.

Cortes, who became rotation depth after the Yankees signed Max Fried to an eight-year deal, will earn a shade over $8 million this coming season and — like Williams — will be a free agent after 2025.

Cortes was strong last season, with a 3.77 ERA (3.84 FIP) and 1.15 WHIP in 174.1 innings over 31 games (30 starts).

Durbin, 24, hit .269/.374/.407 with 22 homers in 281 games in four minor league seasons for the Yanks.

The Yankees have been in an aggressive mode since losing Juan Soto to the Mets.

In addition to adding Fried for $218 million toward the end of the Winter Meetings, and have been involved in discussions for free agent Alex Bregman and trade candidates Kyle Tucker and Cody Bellinger.