Baseball often brings old colleagues together in unexpected ways, and this time it circles back to the Yankees. How so? The internet connected Trent Grisham to Devin Williams’ success story.
The strong and old connection between two Yankees: Devin Williams and Trent Grisham
Jack Curry revealed that Trent Grisham played an indirect role in developing Williams’ signature changeup, the “Airbender.” During a 2019 Spring Training live batting practice session with the San Diego Padres, Grisham told Williams he could see the spin on his changeup.
That observation led Williams to tweak his grip, switching from a two-seam to a four-seam. The adjustment dropped velocity, enhanced movement, and, just like that, the Airbender was born. Williams himself confirmed the moment’s importance in an interview with Brian Hoch of MLB.com.
“That became my out pitch, my go-to,” Williams said. “I was still throwing it 88, 89 miles an hour. Then, during COVID in 2020, I realized if I threw it slower and spun it more, it got better movement. It became a much better pitch.”
Williams doesn’t recall revisiting that exchange with Grisham but belatedly acknowledged it: “Thanks, Trent.”
Now, Yankees fans will see the “Airbender” up close. The Yankees acquired the All-Star closer from the Brewers in exchange for left-hander Nestor Cortes, infielder Caleb Durbin, and cash considerations.
Williams, a two-time NL Reliever of the Year with a 1.66 ERA since 2022, wasn’t surprised by the trade. Media reports had hinted he’d land in Los Angeles, but the Yankees swooped in with the winning offer while Williams prepared for a workout in West Palm Beach, Fla.
“There was a bit of shock,” Williams admitted, “but it’s a tremendous honor to play for this organization. There’s no bigger team in baseball, so I’m very happy to be here.”
According to AP, before the trade, Williams spent 10 days in New York City during October and soaked in what the city had to offer.
“I loved it,” he said, according to the Associated Press. “Good food, shopping, MoMA, the Natural History Museum. Ten days isn’t enough to see everything. I’m looking forward to more time here.”
The Yankees’ bullpen gets a facelift
With Clay Holmes now with the Mets and others still in free agency, Williams will step into a prominent role. He replaces Luke Weaver as the Yankees’ closer after a dominant 2023 season: a 1.25 ERA, 14 saves, and a .169 opponent batting average in 22 appearances.
Williams hasn’t forgotten postseason struggles, like surrendering Pete Alonso’s three-run homer in last year’s Wild Card Series against the Mets.
“Every failure I’ve had sticks with me, but it pushes me forward,” he said. “I’ll never shy away from those moments. I want the ball.”
Williams brings postseason firepower to New York, along with a personal appreciation for the city. With free agency looming after 2024, Williams is open to an extension.
“If it’s right for both sides, that’s always an option,” he said.
But first, there’s Yankees business to handle—and yes, his beard has to go.
“I’ll keep it as long as I can,” Williams joked. “It’s been about six years since I’ve been clean-shaven.”
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