Devin Williams Loses Yankees Closer Role Amid Struggles: What’s Next for the Bronx Bombers’ Bullpen?

In a stunning early-season twist, the New York Yankees have made a major change at the back end of their bullpen: Devin Williams, the high-profile closer acquired to solidify their late-inning dominance, is no longer the team’s ninth-inning man. The move comes after a rocky start to Williams’ Yankees tenure and raises urgent questions about both his future and the team’s overall strategy as they chase another World Series title.

The news broke during the first game of the Blue Jays series, with manager Aaron Boone opting to shift Williams out of the closer role after a string of disappointing outings. This decision, while not entirely unexpected given Williams’ struggles, still comes as a shock given the hopes pinned on him when he arrived in New York. The move is especially notable because it’s not even May, highlighting just how quickly the Yankees are willing to pivot when things aren’t working in the Bronx.

Williams’ transition to New York has been anything but smooth. Known for his electric changeup and dominance in the National League Central, Williams was expected to bring stability and swagger to the Yankees’ bullpen. However, the pressure of pitching in New York—a notoriously tough market for even the most talented athletes—has proven to be a formidable challenge. The intense media scrutiny, passionate fan base, and relentless expectations create an environment where only the most mentally resilient players thrive.

This isn’t the first time a talented pitcher has struggled to adjust to life in pinstripes. Yankees history is littered with examples of stars who couldn’t handle the unique pressures of New York. From Sonny Gray to Kenny Rogers and Ed Whitson, the lesson is clear: if you don’t fully embrace the challenge of playing in the Bronx, the city and its fans will quickly turn up the heat. Williams, despite his pedigree, now finds himself at a crossroads familiar to many before him.

Manager Aaron Boone has been careful in his handling of the situation, stopping short of officially naming a new closer. Instead, he’s opted for a more flexible approach, deploying relievers like Luke Weaver in high-leverage spots regardless of inning. Weaver, in particular, has thrived in this “fireman” role, attacking the heart of opposing lineups and often pitching more than just the traditional three outs. This strategy maximizes the Yankees’ bullpen depth but also underscores the uncertainty surrounding the closer position.

Boone’s reluctance to immediately anoint Weaver as the permanent closer is strategic. By maintaining flexibility, he avoids having to justify unconventional bullpen moves—such as bringing in Weaver in the sixth or seventh inning against the top of the order—while keeping opponents guessing. It also buys time for Williams to potentially regain his confidence and reclaim his role, a scenario that would allow the Yankees to use their bullpen pieces in the most optimal way.

The Williams situation is further complicated by off-field factors. Williams, a new father, has recently spent time on the paternity list, and it’s possible that the demands of parenthood, combined with the pressures of a new city and team, are affecting his performance. His fastball velocity remains strong, but his command has wavered, leading to too many hitters’ counts and diminished effectiveness of his signature changeup. Pitching coach Matt Blake and the Yankees’ analytics staff are undoubtedly working overtime to help Williams rediscover the formula that made him an All-Star in Milwaukee.

The Yankees’ bullpen as a whole has been excellent, posting a 3.34 ERA—ninth best in Major League Baseball. However, Williams’ individual struggles have been glaring: an ERA over 11 in his first eight innings, with ten earned runs allowed. Without his inflated numbers, the rest of the bullpen boasts a sparkling 2.63 ERA, which would be among the league’s best. It’s a testament to the depth and talent assembled by GM Brian Cashman, but also a reminder of how quickly one struggling arm can skew the perception of an entire relief corps.

History suggests that the closer role in New York is one of the most volatile jobs in sports. Edwin Diaz’s disastrous first year with the Mets was followed by one of the best relief seasons in franchise history. John Wetteland, after losing his manager’s trust in his first year, returned to become World Series MVP. The lesson: talented pitchers can—and often do—bounce back, but only if they embrace the challenge and accept the unique demands of New York baseball.

For Williams, the next month will be crucial. Boone and the Yankees will likely look for low-leverage opportunities to rebuild his confidence—perhaps in blowouts or lopsided games—before gradually reintroducing him to higher-stakes situations. The team’s hope is that Williams can reset mentally, iron out his mechanics, and eventually return to the dominant form he showed in Milwaukee.

There’s also the looming specter of a potential trade. While it’s far too early to suggest the Yankees are ready to move on from Williams, the reality is that his contract, combined with the team’s bullpen depth, gives the front office options. If Williams can’t turn things around by midseason, it’s not inconceivable that Cashman could look to recoup value from another contender in need of bullpen help.

Meanwhile, the emergence of Luke Weaver as a shutdown reliever has been a silver lining. Weaver, who’s been nearly untouchable since last summer, gives Boone a versatile weapon capable of handling the toughest assignments. His attacking mentality and calm demeanor have drawn comparisons to Mariano Rivera, though it’s far too soon for such lofty praise. Still, Weaver’s performance has given the Yankees a safety net as they navigate the uncertainty surrounding Williams.

The Yankees’ starting rotation has also stabilized, with Carlos Rodón, Clarke Schmidt, and Max Fried delivering consistent outings. As injured stars like Jonathan Loáisiga and DJ LeMahieu work their way back, the team’s depth will be tested. Injuries are inevitable over a 162-game season, and the ability to mix and match bullpen arms will be critical to the Yankees’ success.

For fans, the Williams saga is a reminder of the human side of the game. Booing struggling players may be a time-honored tradition in New York, but recent examples—such as Philadelphia fans rallying behind Trea Turner—suggest that support can sometimes be more effective than scorn. Ultimately, everyone in the Yankees organization wants Williams to succeed. His talent is undeniable, and his success would make an already formidable bullpen even more dangerous.

As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on Williams and Boone’s bullpen management. Will Williams reclaim his closer role and help lead the Yankees to October glory? Or will Weaver and the rest of the bullpen continue to carry the load? One thing is certain: in New York, the spotlight never dims, and the pressure never lets up. For Devin Williams and the Yankees, the next few weeks could define their season—and perhaps much more.