Buy or Sell: Devin Williams as the New York Yankees Playoff Closer

Will Devin Williams Be the New York Yankees’ Closer If They Make the Playoffs?

The Current State of the Yankees Bullpen

Before diving into Williams’ playoff status, it’s important to address the Yankees’ immediate reality: they’re far from a lock to even reach the postseason. After yet another rainout in the Northeast, the Yankees face mounting schedule congestion and a pitching staff that’s already stretched thin. Carlos Carrasco may have pitched well recently, but relying on him, Marcus Stroman’s health, and an inconsistent offense makes this playoff chase anything but guaranteed.

Still, assuming New York does manage to qualify for October, the question becomes: will Devin Williams be trusted with the ball in the ninth inning?

Buying or Selling: Will Devin Williams Hold the Job?

Despite a disastrous start to the season, where Williams currently sports an unsightly 11.25 ERA, I’m buying the idea that he will remain the Yankees’ closer come playoff time.

Here’s why:

• Track Record: Williams has too much raw talent to stay this bad. His devastating changeup hasn’t vanished overnight.

• Regression is Inevitable: Baseball variance suggests an 11.25 ERA won’t stick. Even if Williams isn’t vintage “Airbender" form, simple regression to the mean should improve his results significantly.

• Lack of Alternatives: Luke Weaver isn’t the long-term answer as closer, and the Yankees bullpen, while solid, lacks a no-doubt backup for the ninth inning. Williams almost has to work out.

In short, unless the bottom truly falls out, the Yankees are likely to give Williams every chance to figure things out. By playoff time, expect him to still be closing games — albeit maybe with a shorter leash.

Betting Angle: Futures and Props to Watch

If you’re looking to wager on this situation, here are some angles to consider:

• Yankees Playoff Odds: If you’re betting on the Yankees to make the playoffs, part of that bet is an implicit buy on Williams bouncing back. A stabilized closer situation is critical to securing tight wins down the stretch.

• Devin Williams Props: If books reopen Williams’ “total saves" props after the bad start, the over could be sneaky value, assuming he holds onto the role and gets better results.

• In-Season Futures: Some fantasy and prop markets offer “most saves from X date forward" bets. If Williams regresses positively, he could be a value play in those.

Final Word: It’s Ugly Now, But Expect Williams to Close in October

Williams has been one of the worst relievers in baseball so far in 2025 — but that’s the exception, not the rule. Talent, opportunity, and simple math suggest he will right the ship enough to keep the job.

Verdict: Buy Williams as the Yankees’ closer if they make the playoffs. Bet carefully around Yankees playoff futures, knowing that bullpen stability will be crucial.

You can read all about what’s going on in Major League Baseball at SportsGrid.com.