The New York Yankees, eager to strengthen their roster after losing a bidding contest for Juan Soto, made another significant move by securing two-time All-Star closer Devin Williams from the Milwaukee Brewers, as reported by two high-ranking sources familiar with the trade to YSL News Sports.

In exchange, the Brewers will receive veteran pitcher Nestor Cortés, infielder prospect Caleb Durbin, and $4.5 million in cash. Additionally, the Yankees will get back $2 million from the Brewers.

These sources requested anonymity as the players have not yet finalized their physical examinations that are necessary for the trade to be officially acknowledged.

A notable detail about this trade is that both pitchers endured tough losses in the previous postseason. Williams allowed a three-run homer to Mets first baseman Pete Alonso in the ninth inning of Game 3 during the NL wild-card series, which eliminated the Brewers from advancing. Meanwhile, Cortés surrendered a walk-off grand slam to Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman in Game 1 of the World Series.

Despite initially aiming to retain Williams, who is set to hit free agency, the Brewers ultimately decided the trade offer was too appealing to overlook.

The Yankees, who recently lost part-time closer Clay Holmes to free agency, had been in discussions with free-agent closer Tanner Scott but ultimately switched their focus to Williams. Williams, who missed the first part of the 2024 season due to stress fractures in his back, has recorded 65 saves and 221 strikeouts in 141 innings over the last three seasons. The 2020 NL Rookie of the Year boasts a career ERA of 1.83 over 241 games, averaging an impressive 14.3 strikeouts per nine innings.

Cortés, who is also a free agent after the 2025 season, finished last season with a record of 9-10 and a 3.77 ERA for the Yankees, pitching 174 ⅓ innings. He will now become one of the top starting pitchers for the Brewers.

Caleb Durbin, 24, was honored as the Arizona Fall League’s Breakout Prospect of the Year after hitting .312 with 29 stolen bases and had recently been added to the Yankees’ 40-man roster. He was seen as a strong candidate for the Opening Day roster.

“I think he’s a star, honestly,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone stated to reporters last month. “He has excellent bat-to-ball skills, remarkable speed on the bases, and is a solid defender at second base. Recently, he has even started to show versatility in his position. He is really competitive and has that gritty, tough-player mentality.”

In the aftermath of losing Soto to the Mets, the Yankees have since signed left-handed starter Max Fried to an eight-year, $218 million contract, acquired Williams, and are currently in discussions with the Houston Astros about swinging a deal for outfielder Kyle Tucker, while also negotiating with free-agent first baseman Christian Walker.

They intend to utilize the funds saved by not pursuing Soto to address various gaps in the roster, aiming for a return to the World Series.