Yankees coach Matt Blake acknowledges fan pressure in Williams’ demotion while cautioning against further harassment.
Baltimore — Friday night at Yankee Stadium was filled with tension as frustrated fans loudly voiced their dissatisfaction with closer Devin Williams. As chants of “We want [Luke] Weaver” echoed through the ballpark, the noise was impossible to ignore, forcing Yankees manager Aaron Boone to pull Williams aside for a personal conversation about the mounting criticism surrounding his rough start in New York.
By Sunday, the Yankees had acted. Williams was officially removed from the closer role, set to work in lower-leverage situations as he regains his footing. But while fans made their feelings clear, Yankees pitching coach Matt Blake cautioned that the crowd’s harsh treatment isn’t helping Williams — or the team.
Blake pleads Yankees fans to show patience
“It definitely doesn’t help,” Blake said, addressing the Bronx jeers. “Over the years, whether it’s Clay [Holmes], [Aroldis Chapman], or whoever, we’ve seen that negativity doesn’t make the situation better.”
Blake acknowledged the passion of Yankees fans but warned about its polarizing effects.
“They voice their opinion when things aren’t going well. Guys just have to learn to navigate that,” he said. “The earlier we can nip that in the bud and stabilize things, the better.”
Boone, Blake, and the Yankees coaching staff had discussed the need to shield Devin Williams from more damage, leading to the decision to shift save opportunities elsewhere — primarily to Luke Weaver.
Lessons from Holmes’ demotion last season
When Holmes was removed from the closer spot in September 2024, “the noise” surrounding him was a major factor. Fans were vocal about his league-leading blown saves, and the Yankees eventually replaced him with Weaver, who held the role through the postseason.
Blake noted that Holmes received a longer leash because of his extended track record in New York. This year, however, the Yankees believe they have multiple late-inning options — Weaver, Tim Hill, Fernando Cruz, and Mark Leiter Jr. — making the quick hook for Williams an easier call.
“Rather than have [Williams] bear the burden of finishing games while struggling, we felt it was smarter to share the load and get him right,” Blake explained.
Adjusting to New York’s intensity
Blake acknowledged that playing for the Yankees in New York, with its bright lights and intense media coverage, is a different challenge compared to Milwaukee.
“I wouldn’t say he’s uncomfortable, but it’s definitely a change of pace,” Blake said. “Milwaukee isn’t New York. There’s more noise, more pressure.”
Blake added that Williams recently became a father, suggesting personal factors could also be contributing to his early struggles. However, the main mystery remains: why is Williams’ signature changeup failing?
Last season, the pitch had a 48.8% whiff rate. This year, it has plummeted to just 22%. Although his Stuff+ metrics show his pitches are physically similar to past years, the swing-and-miss component is missing.
“It’s something we’re still diagnosing,” Blake said. “Is it a deception issue? Is it predictability? Is it about location? We’re working through all of it.”
No timetable for return to closing role
Blake confirmed there is no set timeline for when Williams might reclaim the closer’s job. The goal is to allow him to build confidence through consistent outings before revisiting his role.
“We want to do right by Devin and the team,” Blake said. “We need the best version of him back out there.”
signs of life in Baltimore
Williams showed signs of progress Monday night in Baltimore, tossing a clean eighth inning against the Orioles. Entering with a one-run deficit, he retired the side on 14 pitches — nine for strikes.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone was pleased with what he saw.
“Really good,” Boone said. “He was aggressive, in the zone, and established his fastball. I liked his changeup, too — it had better depth.”
Williams struck out Ryan Mountcastle on a nasty changeup, then induced a groundout and pop-out to complete the frame.
Though the Yankees lost 4-3, Williams’ outing lowered his ERA to an even 10.00. It marked a sharp contrast from his previous two appearances, where he allowed seven runs combined.
Boone described Monday’s work as a “step in the right direction,” adding, “He needs to remember just how darn good he is.”
New role for Williams — for now
Before Monday’s game, Boone detailed the Yankees‘ new plan for Williams: using him in various situations depending on the bullpen’s workload.
“There’ll be leverage spots, but also just spots to get him work,” Boone said. “He’s ready to compete. Even going through tough times, he knows deep down how good he is.”
Boone drew from his own playing days, empathizing with Williams’ challenge of fighting through adversity in New York’s high-pressure environment.
“When you’re struggling in this arena, it’s hard,” Boone said. “But he’ll get through it. I’m confident in him.”
For now, Luke Weaver will handle most save opportunities. The Yankees hope easing the burden on Williams will help him reset and eventually return to being the dominant arm they envisioned when they traded for him.
The Yankees believe Williams will reclaim his closer role eventually, but the journey back will be gradual — with appearances in the seventh, eighth, and ninth innings depending on the situation.
Monday’s clean inning was a small, but important, step. Now, the Yankees and their fans must practice patience — something pitching coach Matt Blake continues to urge.
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