Yankees’ Late-Game Collapse Sparks Debate Over Devin Williams’ Role as Closer

The New York Yankees, a franchise synonymous with championship aspirations and high expectations, find themselves at a crossroads after a series of late-game meltdowns has cast serious doubt over their bullpen reliability. At the center of this growing concern is closer Devin Williams, whose recent struggles have fueled speculation that a change might be imminent.

What was once considered one of the Yankees’ greatest strengths—its ability to lock down games in the final innings—has suddenly turned into a glaring weakness. As the team continues to battle for positioning in a highly competitive American League, the inability to finish games has put their playoff hopes in jeopardy and forced the organization to take a hard look at its options.

Williams’ Recent Struggles

Devin Williams arrived in New York with significant expectations. After establishing himself as one of the premier relievers in the league with his devastating changeup and elite strikeout rate, the Yankees envisioned Williams as the anchor of their bullpen. For much of his career, he lived up to that billing. But in the last several weeks, the cracks have begun to show.

Multiple blown saves in critical games have put the spotlight on Williams. The Yankees’ latest collapse—squandering a comfortable late-inning lead—highlighted the growing unease around his performance. Analysts point to his declining command and a noticeable dip in velocity as potential factors behind his recent issues. Hitters appear to be adjusting to his once-unhittable changeup, and his fastball no longer carries the same life to offset it.

Statistically, Williams’ ERA and WHIP have both risen sharply in the past month. His strikeout-to-walk ratio, once a strength, has tilted unfavorably as he struggles to finish hitters off. While every reliever endures rough patches, the timing of this slump is particularly damaging for a Yankees team that cannot afford many more late-game disasters.

The Weight of Expectations in New York

Pitching in New York is unlike any other market in Major League Baseball. The bright lights of Yankee Stadium, the relentless media coverage, and the ever-demanding fanbase create an environment where every mistake is magnified. For closers, this scrutiny is even more intense, as their successes or failures often come in the game’s most pivotal moments.

Williams’ predecessor thrived under that pressure, becoming a fan favorite by consistently slamming the door in the ninth inning. Replacing a beloved closer is never easy, and Williams’ struggles have only made the transition more challenging. While he has the talent and resume to rebound, the Yankees’ urgency to win now may limit his window to work through his difficulties in real-time.

Potential Options for the Yankees

With the trade deadline behind them, the Yankees’ internal bullpen options will likely determine whether they can stabilize the ninth inning. Managerial decisions in the coming days could be crucial.

• Internal Candidates: The Yankees boast several high-leverage arms, including setup men who have performed well under pressure this season. Pitchers such as Jonathan Loáisiga or Clay Holmes could see expanded opportunities if Williams is temporarily removed from the closer role. Both have shown flashes of dominance and could help restore late-inning stability.

• Committee Approach: Another possibility is adopting a closer-by-committee system. Instead of relying solely on Williams, the Yankees could play matchups in the ninth inning, deploying relievers based on opposing lineups and game situations. While this approach lacks the clarity of a single closer, it could buy Williams time to regain form without exposing the team to additional high-leverage failures.

• Gradual Rebuild of Confidence: The Yankees might also opt to keep Williams in lower-pressure spots temporarily. Allowing him to face the bottom of lineups or pitch in the seventh or eighth innings could help rebuild his rhythm and confidence before resuming ninth-inning duties.

Long-Term Implications

This situation is about more than just the next few games—it could have lasting implications for both Williams’ career and the Yankees’ postseason ambitions. If the team cannot trust its closer, it may be forced to make tough decisions in October, where a single blown save can swing an entire series.

From a psychological perspective, the Yankees must manage Williams carefully. Publicly demoting him could impact his confidence, but ignoring his struggles risks further damage to the team’s record. Balancing accountability with support will be one of the toughest challenges for the coaching staff.

Additionally, this bullpen uncertainty underscores the importance of roster construction. The Yankees invested heavily in their pitching staff, but bullpen volatility can derail even the best-laid plans. General Manager Brian Cashman may face criticism for not adding another proven late-inning arm at the deadline if the current group cannot right the ship.

For now, the Yankees remain committed to competing at the highest level. They are still within striking distance in the division race, and the lineup has proven capable of producing enough offense to win. But without a reliable closer, even the most potent bats can be undermined by late-inning failures.

Williams, for his part, has expressed accountability for his performance and a determination to rebound. His track record suggests he is capable of turning things around, but time is running short for the Yankees to solidify their playoff push.

In the coming weeks, all eyes will be on the ninth inning in the Bronx. Whether Devin Williams can regain his form—or whether the Yankees are forced to make a dramatic change—may ultimately determine how this season is remembered.