The New York Yankees are deep in the September hunt to earn a postseason spot. The club is firing on all cylinders to ensure wins are added to the column. Going into the postseason run, a big question for the club involves the closer situation.
This Yankees Trio Could Collaborate Effectively in the Closer Role
The Yankees have battled the closer issue for the entire year after signing Devin Williams. The new Yankees closer had ongoing troubles throughout 2025. He was removed from the role and re-inserted.
Luke Weaver, the fill-in closer from last season, temporarily entered the role in mitigation. The Yankees are now in a concerning spot regarding the late-game stopper. Aaron Boone and his staff will need to configure a plan as the days move towards October.
Yankees Closer Devin Williams Needs to Be On a Situational Basis
Boone has Williams for the remainder of the year. Despite his inconsistencies, he will be a crucial part of the Yankees’ bullpen one way or another.
Williams’ past closer experience and success need to be considered. The right-hander will eat up innings as needed. Inserting him into a non-crucial save situation may be a better positioning. This will maintain confidence, with hopes of re-igniting Williams’ abilities.
For this right-hander to be the default arm in a save situation may do the Yankees more harm than good, despite his official role. Williams has 18 saves, five blown saves, and a 5.50 ERA in 54 innings of work.
The Potentials to Supplement the Role
Williams could occupy the set-up man role when he’s not summoned in the 9th inning. This option could move Weaver temporarily back into the closer spot. Weaver has experience not only in the closer role but in the postseason.
He’s not the most reliable option in pinstripes, but he’s one of a few that could get the job done in a tight spot. Weaver has worked 58 innings this season with eight saves in 12 save opportunities.
The reliever has 64 strikeouts and 17 walks in 58 innings of work. Weaver can also work the set-up role, and he could stick out a two-inning save if needed. The flop between Weaver and Williams could be a possibility based on match-ups.
Yankees Could Utilize Bednar As a Closer Option
Option number three is an arm that’s been earning its Yankees’ spot as of late. Yankees add-on, David Bednar is a closer by trade. He’s experienced and holds pitching tools to occupy the role.
Bednar has thrown a total of 55 and 2 / 3 innings this season between two ball clubs. He has a 5-5 record with 78 strikeouts and 16 walks. Bednar has an impressive 2.43 ERA this year, saving 23 games in 26 opportunities.
Bednar would be the go-to choice in the 9th inning, if available. His reliability and pitch effectiveness create confidence in him on the bump.
The former Pirate was a solid addition at the trade deadline and fits into the closer equation without doubt. Working in both Williams and Weaver alongside Bednar could save the Yankees a lot of close games. A plan between the three pitchers and match-up considerations will benefit the bullpen.
Main Photo Credits: Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images
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