The New York Yankees may have lost Juan Soto to free agency, but they remain focused on bolstering their roster after a World Series appearance last year. According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the Yankees have acquired Milwaukee Brewers’ closer Devin Williams in a trade. In exchange, the Yankees are sending left-handed starter Nestor Cortes and infield prospect Caleb Durbin to Milwaukee.
Williams, a dominant reliever in his sixth MLB season, was an All-Star in both 2022 and 2023. Last season, he appeared in 22 games for the Brewers, allowing just one home run and posting an impressive 1.25 ERA. Known for his consistency and effectiveness, Williams will strengthen the Yankees’ bullpen significantly.
On the other side of the deal, Cortes had a solid yet unspectacular 2024 season with New York. He made 31 starts, finishing with a 9-10 record and a 3.77 ERA. Joining Milwaukee gives him an opportunity to reset and potentially thrive in a new environment.
Caleb Durbin, though not listed in MLB’s Top-100 Prospects, has drawn attention for his versatility and unique skill set. Standing at just 5-foot-6, Durbin has demonstrated the ability to play multiple positions, including second base, third base, shortstop, and center field. His minor league statistics highlight his bat-to-ball skills, with a career slash line of .269/.374/.407, 134 walks, and 110 stolen bases in 1,216 plate appearances. Passan referred to him as a “high-floor” addition for the Brewers.
Despite missing out on Soto, the Yankees remain aggressive in their pursuit of a competitive roster for the 2025 season.
