The New York Yankees are looking to return to the World Series in 2025.
After falling short in the latest Fall Classic, the team can reinforce its roster at a number of positions in hopes of winning it all next year. The front office will reportedly part ways with first baseman Anthony Rizzo and second baseman Gleyber Torres. It has continued negotiations over a long-term contract for superstar outfielder Juan Soto. And a premier starting pitcher could be in the cards as well.
But if the Yankees hope to make another deep playoff run, they might have to prioritize some late-innings insurance. David Schoenfield of ESPN outlined the team's bullpen needs while urging the Milwaukee Brewers to trade closer Devin Williams to the Bronx.
"The Yankees have both Clay Holmes and Tommy Kahnle as free agents and need some late-game depth,"Schoenfield noted. "And they should probably hedge their bets against Luke Weaver repeating his dominant 2024. If he does, great - Weaver and Williams would make for a dynamic 1-2 duo. The Brewers would probably be wise to trade Williams to the American League, and the Yankees have some starting pitching depth in the minors that could fill a need for Milwaukee."
Williams opened 2024 on the injured list with a stress fracture in his back, but returned to log 14 saves and 38 strikeouts in 21.2 innings. In his six-year career with the Brewers, he's earned two All-Star nods and two Reliever of the Year Awards. But he's heading into his final year of contract arbitration and the Brewers could look to land some trade value in return before watching him walk away for a major contract in free agency.
As Schoenfield pointed out, the Yankees might offer some prospective pitching talent in a package for Williams. They have five pitchers ranked within the top 10 of their farm system, including righty Will Warren, who made five major-league starts in 2024.
If the Yankees see a high-caliber bullpen addition as a key to championship success in 2025, pulling off a blockbuster trade for Williams could be the clearest path toward getting there.
