At this point in the season, it is the right time for Aaron Boone and the New York Yankees to configure a plan pertaining to the closer role. Devin Williams‘ struggles have created a tricky situation to navigate. Still, it doesn’t mean swaying away from him, but coordinating options.
The closer is often the toughest piece of the roster puzzle in baseball. Williams was acquired this offseason to be in that spot after a rough season from Clay Holmes in 2024.
Unfortunately, Williams has had a rocky start in the Bronx shortly over a month into the season. He has 15 games pitched and 12 2/3 innings of work. He has a 1-2 record with a 9.24 ERA, which is down slightly from his season-high, which was over 11.00. The closer has four saves, one blown save, and an 80% save rate.
Batters are hitting .265 against Williams, and he’s struck out 16 hitters, walking 11. The walks are a concern, especially since he’s thrown less than 15 innings. “Free 90s” should never be a concern for a closer, especially regarding bases-on-balls. Where the Yankees go from here is the real question, and the route of sidelining Williams is not the answer.
Yankees Must Solve Devin Williams Dilemma: Give Him Selective Opportunities
By selective opportunity, I mean along the lines of load management and strategic matchups. The blanket strategy of managing a bullpen involves lefty/righty matchups, statistical intelligence, and recent performance.
Unfortunately, the closer role does not fall perfectly into that category. The closer is the first responder to a save scenario when available, regardless of matchups. Williams needs to build his confidence, and this can be done in many ways.
Boone needs to consider his resources, his relievers’ availability, and the game situation. Other relievers are capable of shutting the doors in the late innings, but their availability must be considered.
The scenarios are extremely important, whether the game is on the line, and the likelihood of the opponents striking back to tie, take the lead, or win it, perhaps in walk-off style.
Devin Williams, Filthy Airbender….
And is fired up!
pic.twitter.com/e9ebPFU5HO
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) May 8, 2025
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Scenario-Based Save Chances
Closers get big dollars to shut the door in dangerous spots, which is why it wouldn’t be much help to divert a struggling closer to work in easier spots. In the short term, using Williams for certain save chances could help him build confidence, and the team to nail down a win.
For example, Williams has some proven success against Mookie Betts. Head-to-head, Betts is 0-2 with two strikeouts against Williams. In a case where Betts was due up, this would be a great chance for Williams to pitch, get an out, and have a 1/3 chance of getting the job done.
On the other hand, Ian Happ of the Chicago Cubs is a great example of a matchup that causes Williams grief. Happ maintains a .375 batting average and a .750 slugging percentage against Williams in 11 plate appearances. This includes three hits, one home run, two RBI, two strikeouts, and three walks. From a development standpoint, you want Williams to battle Happ, and find a way to be successful. But from a temporary confidence-building standpoint, you don’t want these two facing each other.
Or maybe Luke Weaver could be the one to face Happ instead of Williams. This would support the Yankees not being hurt by Happ, especially in a game-threatening situation. Also, giving the ball to someone else will allow Williams to reflect, and gain some insight on how to deal with such a hitter.
Temporary is the key word here, as Devin Williams is paid to be in these situations. This may be the answer to long-term success for Williams and the Yankees.
Photo Credit: © Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
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