Should Luke Weaver close out games instead of Devin Williams? The Yankees’ bullpen strategy faces a crucial decision.
The New York Yankees, off to a good start in 2025, find themselves facing an unexpected bullpen dilemma. Devin Williams, their high-profile offseason acquisition, has stumbled out of the gate, raising the question: Should the Bombers hand ninth-inning duties to right-hander Luke Weaver, at least temporarily?
This debate has caught fire in Yankees circles, especially after Williams’ shaky outings and Weaver’s dependable performances. It’s a conundrum that underscores the unforgiving spotlight of New York, where patience runs thin and results speak volumes.
Williams’ struggles shock the Yankees nation
Devin Williams arrived with expectations as lofty as the Empire State Building. The former Milwaukee Brewers closer was touted as a difference-maker, especially after the Yankees saw their bullpen falter in critical moments last season. However, Williams’ 2025 campaign has not begun as hoped.
Through his first 10 innings, Williams has posted an ERA north of 5.00, allowing nine hits and issuing seven walks. His signature changeup, once dubbed the “Airbender,” has lacked its usual bite, often missing spots or failing to fool hitters.
“It’s not been a good start for him with his Yankees tenure, let’s be real,” noted MLB insider Joel Sherman during a recent appearance on Pinstripe Post. “I just don’t know if you feel great about giving him the ball in the ninth inning anymore.”
Statistically, Williams has been worse than he was through the same point last season, when he had a 1.82 ERA in his first 10 innings for Milwaukee. The difference? The pressure of the Bronx, compounded by the intensity of the AL East.
Historically, Williams has posted higher ERAs early in seasons, often improving as the year progresses. But his Yankees debut has amplified scrutiny, especially following a disastrous outing on Saturday. A critical error may have set the tone, but Williams failed to close the inning, leading to another blown opportunity.
Despite his track record, fans are beginning to question whether he can handle the pressure of closing games in New York, a city known for its demanding fan base. His adjustment to the Yankees’ clubhouse culture, including an offseason controversy over the team’s no-beard policy, has only added to the tension.
Weaver’s case for the closer role
Enter Luke Weaver. Initially seen as a multi-inning relief option, Weaver has been nothing short of dependable. His 2025 stats paint the picture of a pitcher thriving in high-leverage situations: a 1.98 ERA over 13.2 innings, with 16 strikeouts and just three walks. He’s shown the versatility to pitch multiple innings or come in for critical outs against the heart of opposing lineups.
“Luke Weaver should be the team’s closer for the next couple weeks until they can work Devin Williams back into that closer role,” Sherman argued. “Weaver’s attack dog ability is exactly what this bullpen needs right now.”
Sherman also highlighted the tactical challenge. Using Weaver as a closer limits his flexibility. Boone has used Weaver earlier in games to neutralize top-of-the-order threats. His value might actually be higher in those scenarios, especially given the Yankees’ current rotation struggles.
Weaver’s effectiveness has sparked discussion about whether he should take over as closer while Williams regains form. However, the Yankees’ reliance on Weaver’s flexibility complicates the matter. Boone has used him in critical moments earlier in games, including to neutralize top-of-the-order threats. Weaver’s value as a “multi-inning attack dog,” as Sherman put it, might be greater outside of a traditional closer’s role.
| Pitcher | ERA | Innings Pitched | Strikeouts | Walks | WHIP |
| Devin Williams | 5.40 | 10 | 10 | 7 | 1.60 |
| Luke Weaver | 1.98 | 13.2 | 16 | 3 | 0.95 |
Weaver clearly holds the edge in control and effectiveness. His lower WHIP indicates fewer base runners, and his ability to stretch over multiple innings adds unique value.
The pressure of New York: A historical comparison
There’s also the intangible factor—Williams’ fit in New York. From his preseason controversy over the team’s grooming policy to his apparent discomfort with media scrutiny, Williams has not settled into the Bronx with ease.
Sherman drew parallels with former Yankees like Javier Vazquez and Xavier Hernandez, pitchers who flourished elsewhere but faltered in New York’s intense spotlight. “There are some players who just don’t seem to want to be here. Williams’ body language reminds me of Hernandez. It just feels a little like that,” Sherman said.
And it’s not just about performance. Yankees fans have been vocal, with boos ringing out after Williams’ blown saves. As Sherman noted, “If you fight New York, you’re not going to win. The city isn’t changing.”
Yankees’ case for patience
Despite these early struggles, the Yankees’ front office is known for its long-term view. Williams has a proven track record. Over his last three seasons with Milwaukee, he posted a combined 2.03 ERA, earning All-Star nods and Cy Young votes.
Sherman urged a cautious approach.
“Devin Williams has a track record,” he said. “You’ve got to give it a little more. He’s going to get on a run of 10-15 appearances where it’s one-two-three innings, lots of strikeouts.”
He also pointed out that Emmanuel Clase, widely considered the best reliever in baseball last year, is struggling even more than Williams in 2025. Clase has surrendered 20 hits in 10 innings with an 8.00 ERA. The Yankees are hoping Williams can turn things around before making any drastic changes.
“If Williams had shown up clean-shaven, no one would be talking about this,” Sherman argued. “He did something that upset the fanbase, and now everything is magnified.”
A tactical balancing act
The Yankees’ bullpen puzzle is about more than just stats. It’s about roles, flexibility, and maximizing resources. Weaver’s ability to pitch multiple innings or face the top of the lineup is vital, especially with the Yankees still managing injuries to key starters like Carlos Rodón.
Boone must decide whether to sacrifice that versatility for short-term stability in the ninth inning. Meanwhile, Williams could benefit from lower-leverage opportunities to regain confidence and command.
As Sherman put it, “Weaver’s value is greater as a pre-ninth inning attack dog. For this version of the Yankees, you try to fix Williams and let Weaver do what he does best.”
The Yankees face a pivotal stretch in May. Whether Williams rebounds or Weaver assumes closing duties, one thing is clear—the Bronx doesn’t wait for anyone.
Williams has the talent, but does he have the resilience to thrive here? Time will tell. As history has shown, today’s bullpen pariah can be tomorrow’s October hero. John Wetteland went from unplayable in 1995 to World Series MVP in 1996.
The debate over who should close games for the Yankees underscores the pressures of competing in the AL East. Devin Williams’ struggles have opened the door for Luke Weaver, but the situation is fluid. With talent on both sides, the Yankees are in a unique position to adapt. Whether Williams bounces back or Weaver steps up, the team’s ability to manage this bullpen dilemma could define their season.
If Williams figures it out, he could become a legend here. But if not, Weaver’s ready. For now, all eyes remain on the Bronx, where every pitch counts and every decision matters.
And for Yankees fans? The choice is theirs—boo now or back a pitcher who, if he finds his groove, could help bring title number 28 home.
What do you think?
