As the season rolls along, it is clear that the New York Yankees have a major Devin Williams issue. Many games have been dropped by the Yankees’ new closer, and William’s ERA is worse than ever. The pressing question remains: What do we do with this problem?
Devin Williams is off to a Horrendous Start to the Season
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The Mets Broke Devin Williams, But Who Can Fix Him?
Sometimes, it feels like closers are slipping and falling all over themselves. Last season, it felt like Edwin Diaz at one point was losing every game he was given to save. Eventually, Diaz returned to star form. However, Williams’ situation feels even worse. Williams wasn’t even given a save against the San Diego Padres, as he pitched in the eighth inning because of his absolutely disgusting performances so far in the ninth. Yet, somehow, Williams allowed the Padres to roar back and take the lead. Williams’ ERA is usually something otherworldly.
2019: 3.95 ERA
2020: 0.33 ERA (!)
2021: 2:50 ERA
2022: 1.93 ERA
2023: 1.53 ERA
2024: 1.25 ERA
Williams was so good for the Milwaukee Brewers, the Brewers reasonably felt safe trading Josh Hader. Williams’ ERA was unbelievable. However, this year, Williams’ ERA isn’t 1.00, 2.00, 3.00, or even 4.00. His ERA is 10.03 in 14 games. It all started with a blown save against the New York Mets in the NL Wild Card game, and even though he only has one blown save this season to four saves, Williams has basically lost the closer role for good until he can keep the scoring down. The Yankees didn’t feel too bad about his blown save against Pete Alonso and decided to trade for him anyway, as many teams would. The result so far has been hideous.
Drastic Action Soon? Maybe
Clay Holmes’ last season was absolutely atrocious at one point last season too. Holmes was untouchable at the beginning of the season in 2024. However, he would eventually blow 13 saves, yet somehow Holmes managed to escape with a 3.14 ERA. However, as many fans saw in the postseason, Holmes was quite effective in the postseason as a regular reliever. And now, Holmes is a stud of a starter for the Mets.
Williams hasn’t been the same. He hasn’t actually blown too many saves. And this season, most of William’s performances were scoreless one-inning outings. However, the problems arise when one sees that Williams has allowed three earned runs in four of his 14 appearances. He hasn’t even been an effective reliever as Holmes was at one point.
It already is a pretty drastic action to take Williams away from his closer role. However, the question remains if more drastic action is in store. The Texas Rangers literally sent down Jake Burger, who hit 29 home runs last season and 34 the year before that.
Leave It to Weaver?
Perhaps the Yankees will go with a simple decision: make the closer Luke Weaver. Weaver has an ERA of 0.59 so far, and even though he blew one save recently, that was really Williams’ fault. Weaver was really good in the postseason, and at this point, he might be the best option for New York. Weaver did blow the final game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, yet Weaver is no doubt still very effective.Â
All in all, Williams is becoming a major issue. The Yankees might be forced to take much more drastic action if Williams continues to be a liability. The hope for the Yankees is for Williams to fix himself over time. However, for now, Williams is among the top problems for the World Series hopeful Yankees.
Main Image: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
