Devin Williams, the New York Yankees' new closer, entered the 2025 season as a highly valued fantasy asset thanks to his 1.83 career ERA and elite strikeout rate. After a stellar performance late last season with the Milwaukee Brewers, expectations were high for his role in New York. However, just weeks into the season, Williams has found himself among the most dropped closers on ESPN leagues following a series of inconsistent outings. A particularly troubling game against the Tampa Bay Rays saw him blow a four-run lead, raising concerns despite an underlying .423 BABIP indicating he’s been unlucky. Fantasy managers are urged to stay the course, as his performance should normalize.

Meanwhile, other closers like Jeff Hoffman of the Toronto Blue Jays and Kyle Finnegan of the Washington Nationals have seen their stock rise, with Hoffman perfect in save opportunities and Finnegan accumulating saves despite mediocre strikeout rates. Justin Martinez of the Arizona Diamondbacks is set to benefit from an increased role following the injury of A.J. Puk, while Jose Alvarado of the Phillies has stepped up as a reliable closer. Conversely, Baltimore's Felix Bautista is struggling and may need time to regain his pre-surgery form, prompting patience from fantasy owners.

In the evolving landscape of MLB bullpens, Justin Martinez has emerged as a strong candidate for saves with the Arizona Diamondbacks, especially in the wake of A.J. Puk's injury. However, Martinez's recent fatigue raises questions about his durability. Meanwhile, the Boston Red Sox's Aroldis Chapman remains in the driver's seat for saves even as high-leverage scenarios challenge his availability.

In Chicago, Ryan Pressly’s grip on the closer role appears secure despite recent struggles from his teammate Porter Hodge. Meanwhile, the White Sox remain a team to avoid for saves, having yet to record one this season. The Cincinnati Reds’ closer situation is murky with Emilio Pagán competing against Alexis Díaz, who has had setbacks since returning from the IL, giving Pagán an edge.

For the Cleveland Guardians, Emmanuel Clase’s struggles signal potential buy-low opportunities, while Tommy Kahnle continues to dominate the ninth inning for the Detroit Tigers despite recent heavy usage. Lastly, Devin Williams’ recent performance with the New York Yankees raises concerns, making him a player worth monitoring closely in fantasy leagues.

Devin Williams, the New York Yankees closer, is struggling significantly as he continues to face challenges on the mound. In a recent game against the Tampa Bay Rays, he allowed four runs to turn a comfortable lead into a tie, ultimately contributing to the Yankees' 10-8 loss in extra innings. This marks his third significant meltdown this season in just nine appearances. Williams, acquired from the Milwaukee Brewers in the offseason, is struggling to find his form as he has recorded more hits and earned runs compared to last year, despite fewer innings pitched due to prior injuries.

His signature changeup, the 'Airbender', has seen a drastic increase in usage from 45% to 57%, leading to a notable decline in performance metrics. The changeup's effectiveness has plummeted, with batters hitting significantly better against it this season compared to last. However, there's a glimmer of hope; most of Williams' other pitching stats remain solid, suggesting that with adjustments, he could return to form.

Devin Williams, the New York Yankees' newly acquired closer, has struggled in his first few weeks, allowing runs in four of his nine appearances and posting a 9.00 ERA. In a recent game against the Tampa Bay Rays, he surrendered a four-run lead in the ninth inning, culminating in a 10-8 loss for the Yankees, ending their five-game winning streak. Despite having four saves, Williams has walked seven batters and opponents are hitting .333 against him.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone expressed confidence in Williams, highlighting that the right-hander possesses the necessary skill to overcome this early setback. In contrast, Luke Weaver, who has yet to allow a run in 11 innings this season, is emerging as a potential closer option if Williams doesn't improve. Williams’ previous success with the Milwaukee Brewers raises questions about his current performance and whether he can reclaim his form.

Devin Williams struggled as the Yankees fell to the Tampa Bay Rays in a dramatic ninth-inning collapse. Despite entering the ninth with a four-run lead, Williams allowed four earned runs, culminating in Jonathan Aranda's two-run walk-off homer in the 10th inning. Williams, who boasts an All-Star past, now faces scrutiny due to a high ERA and a concerning walk rate, having issued seven walks in just eight innings this season.

Yankees captain Aaron Judge expressed confidence in Williams, asserting that he will bounce back and continue to be a key contributor in tight games. The loss marked a disappointing twist for the Yankees, who had a strong start, with Judge himself recording three hits and two RBIs. The team will look to regroup as they navigate their early season hurdles.