Insider: Williams’ Yankees woes tied to deeper off-field and clubhouse issues

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Devin Williams’ Yankees performance raises questions about his city adaptation, clubhouse comfort, and cultural struggles.

When the New York Yankees traded for Devin Williams in the offseason, they believed they were locking down the ninth inning with one of baseball’s most dominant closers. On paper, the move made perfect sense. A two-time National League Reliever of the Year with a career 1.93 ERA entering 2025, Williams had the track record, the elite stuff — including his famous “Airbender” changeup — and the resume of a proven winner.

But two months into his first season in the Bronx, the results — and the vibe — are anything but reassuring.

“Williams doesn’t seem to be the kind of guy that will be able to handle a lot of boos if Yankees fans turn on him, and there will a whole lot of Bronx cheers howled his way if he doesn’t start pitching like he can,” according to insider Randy Miller. “It’s too soon to suggest Williams will be the next Joey Gallo or Sonny Gray —they weren’t big stars like he’s been — but the pitching and everything else in February, March and April already is very concerning.

Statistical struggles and signs of discomfort

Through nine outings, Williams owns a bloated 9.00 ERA. He has struck out just nine and walked eight in eight innings — a stunning drop-off for a pitcher who struck out 43.2% of batters last year with Milwaukee. His patented changeup isn’t fooling hitters like it used to. Opponents are now laying off the pitch, working counts, and making contact. Soft contact, bloopers, and bad luck have all played a part, but the results don’t lie.

His worst outing to date came on Saturday against the Rays, when he entered the ninth inning with an 8-4 lead and couldn’t record a shutdown inning. After six batters, the game was tied. By the end of the 10th, the Yankees had lost 10-8. Williams didn’t strike out a single hitter and was tagged for four runs — all while the Yankees were just three outs away from their 14th win of the season.

A reluctant fit off the field?

While the on-field woes raise alarms, it’s what’s happening off the field that suggests deeper concerns.

From the beginning, Williams showed signs that life in pinstripes might not come naturally. In spring training, he voiced his displeasure with the Yankees’ historic no-facial-hair policy. When Hal Steinbrenner lifted that rule just days later, it was widely interpreted as a nod to Williams’ comfort — and an attempt to help him settle in.

But the cultural friction hasn’t stopped at grooming preferences. Multiple media members and insiders have noted that Williams seems uneasy with the New York media attention, often expressing frustration with the sheer number of reporters in the clubhouse. Unlike many of his teammates, Williams avoids informal chats and has rarely made himself available postgame without delay, claims insider Randy Miller.

“Worse yet — way worse, actually — is this,” he wrote. “Williams doesn’t seem to be embracing the sideshows that come with being a Yankee. With the media within earshot, he’s gripped about how many reporters have been in the Yankees clubhouse before and after games.”

After Saturday’s blown save, he waited nearly 40 minutes before speaking to reporters — a brief 92-second session where he answered curtly and, at times, sarcastically. This mirrored his behavior in Detroit last month when, after allowing three runs in a narrow win, he made the media wait again and offered clipped responses.

Comparisons to past Bronx misfits

Williams’ early arc is drawing comparisons to previous big-name Yankees acquisitions who struggled with the unique pressures of New York. Joey Gallo and Sonny Gray come to mind — both talented, both capable, but ultimately unable to find comfort or success under the bright lights of the Bronx.

Some insiders believe that Williams, who excelled in the low-pressure atmosphere of Milwaukee, may be discovering that not all stars transition well to Yankee Stadium. The fan scrutiny, the media intensity, and the demand for accountability are realities that not every player can adapt to quickly.

Boone and Judge still believe in Williams

Despite the rocky start, manager Aaron Boone and captain Aaron Judge have voiced strong public support.

“We got him for a reason,” Judge said. “He’s going to save a lot of games for us. I’m not worried at all. Everyone in this clubhouse trusts him with the ball.”

Boone echoed the sentiment: “It’s a little bump early. He’s got all the tools to figure this out.”

Their faith may be rooted in Williams’ body of work. Even in a down start, his stuff still flashes. His changeup — though currently being attacked differently — remains one of the most unique pitches in baseball.

Weaver is waiting in the wings

The Yankees’ bullpen, fortunately, has options. Luke Weaver, who closed effectively last season, has quietly been the team’s most reliable reliever again this year. He’s allowed no runs in 10 innings across nine outings, with just two hits allowed and a pair of saves.

Weaver’s calm under pressure, quick media availability, and willingness to embrace any role have made him a quiet fan favorite. Though Boone has reiterated that Williams is the team’s closer, Weaver is clearly ready — and able — if circumstances change.

A defining month ahead

With 141 games left in the regular season, it’s far too early to write off Devin Williams. A strong run in May could silence doubts and restore confidence — both in the clubhouse and across the Bronx. If he finds his groove, a third All-Star nod and postseason dominance could still be in play.

But the Yankees must watch closely. This isn’t just about whiff rates or walk rates. It’s about whether one of baseball’s best closers can adapt to a market that demands more than just numbers. It requires presence, poise, and the ability to face adversity — both on the mound and in front of the cameras.

Because this isn’t Milwaukee. And if Williams doesn’t find comfort soon, the Yankees might need to rethink who closes games in October — or who even wears the pinstripes in 2026.

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