In a surprising move that reflects both the expectations and pressures of being a New York Yankee, Devin Williams has been relieved of his duties as the team’s closer, at least for the time being. Manager Aaron Boone made the announcement after what has been a difficult stretch for the right-hander, which culminated in a rough outing against the Toronto Blue Jays that left fans vocalizing their frustrations on Saturday.
Williams, who once touted a career trajectory filled with promise, now finds himself grappling with uncharacteristic struggles. With an ERA of 11.25 and concerning numbers across the board—striking out just 18.2% of batters, with a walk rate peaking at 15.9%—his performance has certainly raised eyebrows. “Being a closer is a position you have to earn and you have to keep earning it,” Williams remarked, a sentiment that resonates deeply in a role defined by consistency and trust. His acknowledgment of the need to regain form speaks volumes to the competitive nature of the game.
Boone’s decision to shift the closer responsibilities comes with a silver lining for the Yankees: Luke Weaver, the high-performing setup man boasting a pristine 0.00 ERA this season, will step into the spotlight for save opportunities. Boone has expressed confidence in Weaver’s ability to handle high-leverage situations, but it’s clear that this isn’t about casting Williams aside. “He’s still got everything to be great,” Boone noted, reflecting a belief in Williams’ potential to rebound. “He’s going through a little bit of a rough patch,” he added, reminding us that even the most talented players have to navigate adversity.
For Williams, the path forward may not involve a fixed role while he attempts to reclaim his confidence. Boone indicated that how he uses Williams will depend on matchups and circumstances, suggesting a plan tailored to help Williams re-establish his rhythm without the burden of the closer’s mantle hanging heavily on his shoulders.
The mechanics of pitching, especially the mental component, cannot be overstated. Boone highlighted the importance of “count leverage,” underscoring how falling behind hitters can quickly escalate pressure—a point Williams learned the hard way against Toronto, where he allowed two runs without retiring a single batter. Building that rhythm, getting back to basics, and easing into pressure situations with a solid changeup-fastball mix could be the key to unlocking what made him a coveted reliever in the first place.
The Yankees acquired Williams with high hopes, trading for him as they sought to fortify their bullpen. His illustrious past with the Milwaukee Brewers—including accolades like the National League Rookie of the Year and multiple All-Star appearances—has made the current struggles feel even sharper. He electrified the league with his revered screwball-like changeup, affectionately dubbed “The Airbender,” a pitch that once left batters bewildered and fans in awe.
The adjustment to a new team and a new environment has certainly posed challenges. Boone referenced the difficulties faced by players taking on pivotal roles in high-profile settings, citing even the great Mariano Rivera’s initial struggles as a reminder that excellence often comes with growing pains. Encouragingly, Williams has everything in his arsenal to pull through this juncture successfully; it’s merely a matter of regaining composure and confidence.
Shifting gears, the Yankees have been also tracking the recovery of Luis Gil, last season’s AL Rookie of the Year, who began his throwing program following a long absence due to injury. Meanwhile, another right-hand option, Jonathan Loáisiga, is on the mend, having started his rehab assignment. Both players could provide valuable depth as the season unfolds and the Yankees look to recover their footing amid these trials.
As Williams steps back from the spotlight, the focus now is on recalibrating his approach and embracing the chance to rediscover his dominant form. The journey back to being a reliable option in the Yankees’ late-inning strategy awaits, and with Boone’s steadfast support, there’s reason to believe he’ll find his way back. Fans will be watching closely, ready to rally behind him once again.
