Yankees All-Star Predicted to Sign with Rival Dodgers This Offseason

The New York Yankees took a gamble last winter when they traded for former Milwaukee Brewers star reliever Devin Williams. They hoped Williams could anchor the back end of New York’s bullpen as their new closer.

Unfortunately for the Yankees, the experiment just didn’t pan out. Williams struggled all season and eventually lost his ninth-inning role to David Bednar.

Now, with free agency on the horizon, insiders like Sportsnaut’s Matt Johnson are already speculating. Williams’ next stop? Maybe the Los Angeles Dodgers, a team that’s hungry to rebuild their bullpen and willing to take a shot on a former All-Star.

From Yankee Expectations to Disappointment

When the Yankees picked up Williams in the offseason, fans and analysts cheered the move. As a Brewer, Williams dominated hitters with a nasty changeup and a ton of confidence in tight games.

The Bronx, though, can be brutal. His 2024 season saw a steep decline in effectiveness, with a 4.79 ERA that looked nothing like his past numbers.

Manager Aaron Boone started handing closing duties to David Bednar. The Yankees clearly lost faith in Williams when it mattered most.

With his stats dropping and trust gone, it’s tough to imagine the Yankees bringing him back in free agency.

The Fall from Elite Status

Williams’ career path feels like a warning for relievers everywhere. Two years ago, he looked untouchable as a closer.

Now, people question his mechanics, his mindset, and whether he can adapt. But at 29, Williams still has the stuff and the drive to get back on track—if he finds the right spot.

The Dodgers’ Bullpen Needs Reinforcement

Over in Los Angeles, the Dodgers just wrapped up a season where their bullpen let them down. Their offense was electric, but the relief corps fell apart at the worst times.

Devin Williams could be a low-risk, high-reward pickup for a team that’s never afraid to make a splash.

A Perfect Fit for a Big-Spending Contender

Matt Johnson’s prediction makes sense. The Dodgers have the cash and the appetite to bet on players who need a reset.

A one-year deal could work for both sides:

• Williams gets a fresh start without a long-term risk.
• The Dodgers add a proven arm without breaking the bank.
• They patch a glaring hole as they chase another championship.

Why a Short-Term Deal Works

For Williams, a year in Los Angeles might be exactly what he needs. The Dodgers have a knack for helping pitchers figure things out.

If Williams can tweak his mechanics and clear his head, maybe that wicked changeup comes back. He’s shown flashes of brilliance before—why not again?

Financial and Competitive Advantages

The Dodgers could sign Williams for far less than the top closers cost. That leaves more money for other moves while still fixing the bullpen.

Williams, meanwhile, would get to pitch in October again. That’s a lot more appealing than struggling through another lost season in New York.

Looking Ahead

Baseball moves fast. The Yankees rolled the dice and missed, but Williams’ story isn’t finished yet.

With the right team and a little luck, he could turn it all around. The Los Angeles Dodgers look like a real possibility—especially if they’re serious about bouncing back from recent playoff letdowns.

Final Thoughts

Los Angeles might make the move, but it really depends on how their offseason shakes out. Other free-agent priorities could shift things, too.

This team wants another World Series run. Adding a reliever like Williams—despite his rough patches—might just be a smart, gutsy call.

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Here is the source article for this story: Yankees All-Star predicted to ditch New York for deal with hated Dodgers