Yankees Rumors: Devin Williams, Kyle Tucker and Payroll Outlook

The New York Yankees are stirring up the baseball offseason again. Reports say they’re eyeing a potential reunion with free-agent closer Devin Williams.

*The Athletic*’s Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon report that Williams—No. 16 on MLB Trade Rumors’ Top 50 Free Agents list—is getting plenty of attention from teams around the league. The Yankees’ interest fits with their broader push to strengthen the roster. General Manager Brian Cashman seems to be targeting some of the market’s hottest names.

New York looks ready for an aggressive offseason. They’re clearly chasing another shot at the World Series.

Yankees Eyeing a Devin Williams Return

Devin Williams isn’t new to the Bronx. Last offseason, the Yankees traded for him from the Milwaukee Brewers, hoping to give their bullpen more punch.

Williams had some ups and downs early in 2024, but he finished strong. He tossed 13 straight scoreless innings from September through the playoffs. That kind of late-season fire is exactly what’s got the Yankees—and several other teams—so interested in bringing him back.

Competition for Williams’ Signature

The Yankees aren’t alone in this chase. The Reds, Red Sox, Mets, Tigers, Giants, Dodgers, and Marlins have all been linked to Williams in free agency.

Williams has shown he can close out tight games and handle the heat. He’s easily one of the most valuable bullpen arms on the market this winter.

Cashman’s Expansive Free Agent Targets

Williams might be the big headline, but Brian Cashman isn’t stopping there. He’s confirmed ongoing talks with agent Casey Close about multiple marquee free agents.

The list reportedly includes Kyle Tucker, Kyle Schwarber, Michael King, and Paul Goldschmidt. Each could fill a different gap for the Yankees, depending on how things shake out.

Interest in International Talent

The Yankees are also looking beyond the U.S. free agent pool. They’ve shown interest in Japanese right-hander Tatsuya Imai, who was just posted by the Seibu Lions.

Adding Imai could deepen New York’s rotation and keep up their tradition of chasing top international talent. It’s a move that makes sense for a team always searching for an edge.

Kyle Tucker Tops the Wishlist

Kyle Tucker’s name keeps popping up in Yankees offseason rumors. The Houston Astros star is considered one of the top free agents of 2024-25.

He’s got elite hitting, strong outfield defense, and postseason experience. That’s a combination the Yankees could really use, especially if they want more leadership and production.

Potential Outfield Reshuffle

Right now, the Yankees’ outfield looks like this:

• Aaron Judge – The captain and face of the franchise.
• Jasson Dominguez – Young, talented, and full of promise.
• Trent Grisham – Reliable with the glove in center.

But the front office seems open to big changes. Names like Tucker and even former Yankee Cody Bellinger are in the mix.

Bringing in a hitter like Tucker could instantly boost the lineup. It’d also give them more options defensively.

Payroll Flexibility and Championship Focus

When asked about possibly blowing past a $300 million payroll, Cashman didn’t give a straight answer. He pointed out that the team can adjust financially if the right opportunity comes along.

Right now, the Yankees’ projected payroll for 2026 is about $260 million. That includes long-term deals for Judge, Gerrit Cole, Max Fried, and Carlos Rodón.

They’ve got enough wiggle room to make big moves without risking the team’s future. That’s a good spot to be in, especially with championship hopes on the line.

Building for a Deep October Run

Every move the Yankees are considering seems laser-focused on one thing: getting back to the World Series. From chasing elite bullpen arms like Williams to eyeing big bats such as Tucker or Goldschmidt, New York is setting up for a bold offseason.

Multiple rivals keep stacking their rosters with talent. The Yankees look ready to spend and take some real risks, which could shape the next few seasons in a big way.

As the hot stove season really gets rolling, everyone’s watching the Bronx. Will Cashman and the front office finally land those blockbuster signings fans keep begging for? It sure doesn’t seem like the Yankees are satisfied with just hanging around—they want to run the table.

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