As baseball's hot stove season fires up, the New York Yankees and the Milwaukee Brewers have orchestrated a significant trade that could reshape their respective rosters heading into the 2025 MLB season. The Yankees have acquired All-Star closer Devin Williams from the Brewers, while Milwaukee welcomes pitcher Nestor Cortes, infield prospect Caleb Durbin, and cash considerations to their lineup.
Devin Williams: Yankees’ New Bullpen Ace
Devin Williams, at 30 years old, joins the Yankees with an impressive career resume. Known for his dominance on the mound, Williams has maintained an ERA+ of 232 and a FIP of 2.39 over six seasons with the Brewers. His strikeout rate is equally formidable, fanning nearly 40% of opposing hitters. This performance cements his reputation as one of the premier closers in the league.
However, Williams’ career has not been without setbacks. His prior injuries have included a stress fracture in his back—which sidelined him for four months last season—along with shoulder, calf, elbow, and hand issues. Despite these challenges, his 2024 campaign was impressive, featuring a minuscule ERA of 1.25 with 38 strikeouts in just 21 2/3 innings. As Williams enters his walk year for 2025, the Yankees will have one year of team control to evaluate this high-risk, high-reward pitching acquisition.
Nestor Cortes and Caleb Durbin: Milwaukee's New Assets
Going to Milwaukee is Nestor Cortes, a versatile pitcher also aged 30. Last season, Cortes posted a solid 3.77 ERA over 174 1/3 innings, and he holds a career ERA+ of 110 with an FIP of 4.10. His flexibility on the mound is shown through his 86 career starts and 49 relief outings, making him a valuable asset for the Brewers, who will utilize his skills during his final arbitration year in 2025. After this season, Cortes will reach free agency, giving Milwaukee a short window to capitalize on his talent.
Joining Cortes in Milwaukee is 24-year-old infield prospect Caleb Durbin, who presents a promising future. Durbin boasts a minor-league slash line of .269/.374/.407, accumulated over four seasons, and he possesses a knack for speed with 110 stolen bases in 281 games. Notably, Durbin has demonstrated plate discipline by recording more walks than strikeouts throughout his career. His advancement to Triple-A last season and subsequent performance in the Arizona Fall League suggest he’s ready to push for Major League consideration. Drafted in the 14th round from Washington University in St. Louis, Durbin will look to carve out a spot in Milwaukee's rebuilding infield.
Implications for the Yankees
This trade comes on the heels of the Yankees losing relief pitcher Clay Holmes to the Mets, a significant departure that left a void in their bullpen. In response, the Yankees have made strategic moves, including signing Max Fried as a free agent to bolster their rotation. The acquisition of Williams further addresses their need for reliable bullpen options, setting up what could be a formidable pitching staff combining new strength with seasoned talent.
As these teams move parts in hopes of crafting championship-level rosters, this particular player exchange highlights both clubs' strategic adjustments. The Yankees, known for their willingness to pursue top-tier talent, hope to resolve recent bullpen inconsistencies by betting on Williams’ elite skill set. Meanwhile, the Brewers, embracing a more developmental approach, aim to harness Cortes' experience and Durbin’s potential as they look to the future.
This trade marks a bold move for both teams as they address immediate needs while planning for long-term success. With spring training on the horizon, the journey for Williams in New York and Cortes and Durbin in Milwaukee promises to be a storyline worth watching throughout the baseball season.