“Welcome to New York!” – Fans welcome Devin Williams to the Bronx as Yankees bid farewell to Nestor Cortes

Yankees trade for Devin Williams from the Brewers after the trade of Nestor Cortes, hypes up fans on 2025 season run.

“Welcome to New York!” – Fans welcome Devin Williams to the Bronx as Yankees bid farewell to Nestor Cortes

Devin Williams and Nestor Cortes [Image Credit: NY Post/Imago]

After Juan Soto’s 15-year $765 million signing, many questioned where the New York Yankees will go from here. However, the pinstripes were ready with Plan B and sprung into action. 

Soon after Soto’s announcement, the Yankees penned an 8-year $218 million contract with ace pitcher Max Fried. They recently traded pitcher Nestor Cortes for Devin Williams on Friday to further solidify their bullpen. 

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In exchange for getting Williams, the pinstripes sent Cortes, prospect Caleb Durbin, and $2 million cash to the Milwaukee Brewers. Yankees executive Brian Cashman noted that they’ve been trying to get Williams for quite some time and finally their needs fit the bill.

His addition will also fill the spot left by Clay Holmes, who signed with the New York Mets in free agency. The Yankees also resigned Jonathan Loaisiga to a 1-year deal.

Social media reacts to Yankees adding Devin Williams to lineup

Two-time All-Star Devin Williams will soon be donning the pinstripes after pitching in 22 games last season. He missed quite a bit of the run due to stress fractures in his back.

Devin Williams
Devin Williams [Image Credit: SNY]

In over 241 career relief appearances, Williams recorded 1.83 ERA, and 1.023 WHIP, with 14.3 strikeouts per nine innings. Currently, he will play with the Yankees for a year and no extension talks have been discussed, per Brian Cashman.

While fans were happy to see a new power in the bullpen, they thanked Nestor Cortes for his services these past few years. One fan celebrating Williams’ move to the Bronx noted, “Awesome move! Welcome to New York!” while another thanked Cortes, saying, “Thank you Nestor.” Check more fan reactions below:

Apart from the Yankees, the Arizona Diamondbacks were also competing for Devin Williams. However, they ended up losing them to the NY Yankees. The next move for the Yankees will be to add more offensive power to the lineup.

They may add Alex Bregman for that, or Pete Alonso, Christian Walker, or even Japanese ace pitcher Roki Sasaki. Apart from Williams, the team has a lineup of star pitchers like – Gerrit Cole, Marcus Stroman, Luis Gil, Carlos Rodon, and Clarke Schmidt.