Devin Williams hints at a major factor in a possible return to New York

Two-time National League Reliever of the Year, Devin Williams left Yankee Stadium in 2025 shrouded in contemplation and optimism after an erratic campaign. Williams, who joined New York in a December trade with the Milwaukee Brewers who sent left-hander Nestor Cortes and infielder Caleb Durbin to the Brewers, said he would “definitely be open” to a reunion, Williams told MLB.com’s Brian Hotch.

“It was a challenge at first, but I’ve grown to love being here,” Williams said. “I love this city, I love riding the (metro) train to the field every day. I’ve really enjoyed my experience here. … There’s a lot to like about this city, but it took me a while to adjust.”

As Williams explores free agency, several factors could influence his decision. He has expressed interest in staying closerstating, “I feel like it depends on the script.”

New York currently has David Bednar and Camille Doval under team control, with Bednar taking over the closer role late in the season. As the Yankees ranked 23rd in ERA before dropping to 26th at the trade deadline, the team could look for reinforcements, potentially including Williams or other relievers such as Ryan Helsley, Reisel Iglesias or Edwin Diaz.

In 2025, the 31-year-old posted a 4.79 ERA in 67 appearances, recording 18 saves in 22 opportunities. Early struggles, including an April 19 save against the Tampa Bay Rays where he allowed three runs without recording an out, cost him closer roles. Luke Weaver briefly took over the job but was sidelined with a hamstring injury, allowing Williams to retake the role for part of the season.

From June to July, he converted 12 of 13 save chances and finished the regular season on a high note with nine straight shutouts. He added four more scoreless innings in the playoffs, including a strong four-out performance in Game 3 of the ALDS against the Toronto Blue Jays.

Williams’ performance showed a return to form. He posted a 3.92 ERA with a 38.6% strikeout rate from June onward. His fastball averaged 94.1 mph, slightly below his 2024 mark (94.7 mph), but in line with previous seasons. Durability proved to be the cardinal determinant, as Williams went a career-high 67 games and 62 innings without illness, a stark contrast to his final year in Milwaukee, where stress fractures in his back limited him to 21 2/3 innings.

Off the court, Williams has adjusted to life in New York while balancing new fatherhood.

“I played in the smallest market in the league (in Milwaukee), the biggest market in the league,” Williams said. “I drove to the field every day; it took me 10 minutes to get there in Milwaukee. There’s just a lot of things in life that are adjustments. I got here (to New York) the day before the season started and I had to figure out my routine on the fly. The amount of (media) people wanting to talk to you was different. But I feel like I’ve adjusted pretty well.”