Yankees’ Devin Williams Flooded With Abusive Messages During Slump

The New York Yankees made a bold move last offseason when they traded for All-Star closer Devin Williams. They expected him to anchor the bullpen and help push them toward a championship.

Coming off a dominant 2024 campaign with the Milwaukee Brewers — where he posted a jaw-dropping 1.25 ERA and blew just one save — hopes were sky-high in the Bronx. But this season in pinstripes has been anything but smooth sailing.

A recent collapse against the Houston Astros has only intensified scrutiny. Fans and media are wondering if Williams can reclaim his old form before it’s too late.

From Dominance in Milwaukee to Struggles in New York

Williams’ transition from Milwaukee to New York has been jarring. In 2024, he looked untouchable, frustrating hitters with pinpoint command and one of the nastiest changeups in baseball.

That form carried Milwaukee’s bullpen and put him in the conversation as one of the league’s top relief pitchers. Fast forward to his first season with the Yankees, and the numbers tell a different story.

Williams currently sits at a 5.73 ERA with a 3-5 record and three blown saves. Friday night’s meltdown against the Astros — where he gave up three runs in the 10th inning — was just the latest in a string of rough outings that have cost the Yankees some crucial games.

Williams’ Honest Self-Assessment

After the loss to Houston, Williams didn’t mince words. He admitted bluntly: “I stink right now.”

That display of accountability was refreshing, but it also highlights just how far off his game he’s been since the season began. In New York, where expectations for high-priced and high-profile players are sky-high, these struggles get magnified almost instantly.

Fan Backlash and New York Pressure

Frustration among Yankees fans has reached a boiling point. The unforgiving nature of the Bronx baseball environment shows up on Williams’ social media, where critical — and sometimes harsh — comments have poured in.

Some fans want him removed from the closer role. Others believe he just can’t handle the unique pressure that comes with pitching in New York.

The Bronx Spotlight Can Be Unforgiving

Pitching in New York is unlike anywhere else in Major League Baseball. The intensity of media coverage, the legacy of legends, and the demands of a massive fan base mean every mistake lands under the microscope.

Many talented players have wilted under that heat. The big question: can Williams adapt?

Aaron Boone’s Vote of Confidence

Despite the criticism, Yankees manager Aaron Boone has shown public faith in his reliever. In his postgame remarks, Boone said the team will work to put Williams in the right situations to help him rediscover his confidence and effectiveness.

Time Is Running Out

The Yankees’ playoff hopes hang in the balance. With the American League race heating up, New York has little room for error.

Williams’ struggles have become a daunting obstacle. The margin to experiment or wait for a turnaround is shrinking fast.

The Road Ahead for Devin Williams and the Yankees

If Williams can somehow rediscover the dominance he had in Milwaukee, the Yankees’ bullpen might shift from a weak spot to a real asset. That kind of turnaround could mean tweaking his mechanics, taking a mental breather, or maybe even getting a break from high-pressure innings to find his groove again.

Right now, fans are watching every pitch, every outing, and honestly, every little thing he says after games. Baseball has seen plenty of comeback stories—Williams will just have to create his own if he wants to win over the Bronx crowd.

• 2024 with Brewers: 1.25 ERA, one blown save
• 2025 with Yankees: 5.73 ERA, 3-5 record, three blown saves
• Recent game: gave up three runs in the 10th inning against Houston
• Manager Aaron Boone says he still believes in his closer

 
Here is the source article for this story: New York Yankees Star Receives Awful Messages Amid ‘Nightmare’ Season