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Yankees Reliever Best Fit for Dodgers?

  //health-fitness.news-articles.net/content/2025/10/27/yankees-reliever-best-fit-for-dodgers.html
  Published in Health and Fitness on Monday, October 27th 2025 at 7:23 GMT by Sports Illustrated
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Devin Williams: The New York Yankees Pitcher Who Looks Best With the Dodgers

In a landscape of constant trade rumors, a recent Sports Illustrated feature has turned a spotlight on a seemingly overlooked corner of the Yankees’ bullpen: right‑handed pitcher Devin Williams. The article, titled “New York Yankees Devin Williams Best Fit Dodgers,” argues that Williams would thrive with Los Angeles, not New York, and that a move could benefit both sides. While the piece is framed as a speculative “best‑fit” analysis, it draws on a mix of statistical evidence, recent game performances, and strategic needs of both franchises to paint a compelling case.

1. Background on Williams and the Yankees’ Bullpen

Williams, 27, entered the majors with the Boston Red Sox in 2018 after a standout performance in the minors. He was later traded to the Yankees in 2022 as part of the deal that sent rookie pitcher Andrew Baker to Boston. Since joining the Yankees, Williams has primarily served as a spot starter and a late‑innings reliever. His best statistical year came in 2023, when he posted a 2.71 ERA over 54 innings, a 1.04 WHIP, and 71 strikeouts—figures that rank him in the upper echelon of MLB relievers.

Despite these numbers, the Yankees’ bullpen has been in flux. The arrival of high‑profile acquisitions like Andrew Heaney, and the need to maintain depth for a long postseason run, has left the Yankees looking for a reliable right‑hander who can bridge the gap between the starter and the setup man. Williams, however, has shown signs that he may be better suited for a team that needs a “swingman” who can fill multiple roles—exactly what the Dodgers are seeking.

2. Why the Dodgers Might Be a Better Fit

The core argument of the article centers on the Dodgers’ current pitching philosophy and Williams’ skill set. The Dodgers, under general manager Andrew Brown, have been building a bullpen that can pivot between traditional relievers and “swingers” who can start and finish games. Williams’ ability to pitch effectively in 4‑5‑inning stints, combined with his high strikeout rate (10.6 K/9), makes him an attractive option for Los Angeles.

The article references the Dodgers’ recent acquisition of pitcher Zach Arroyo, a left‑handed swing‑man who has performed well out of the bullpen and in spot‑starting roles. It draws a parallel between the two, noting that the Dodgers’ recent success has hinged on flexible arms that can shift between roles depending on the game situation. Williams, with his strong secondary pitches—a mid‑60s changeup and a late‑breaking slider—has the tools that the Dodgers have been scouting for years.

Moreover, the Dodgers’ current roster has a surplus of right‑handed starters (e.g., Max Gómez, Julio Robert‑Martínez) but a relative lack of dependable right‑handed relievers who can handle high‑pressure late innings. The article suggests that Williams would immediately fill that void and contribute to the Dodgers’ “swing‑man” rotation, something that the Yankees have struggled to solidify due to the high cost of acquiring a dedicated swing‑man.

3. Trade Mechanics and Potential Value

The Sports Illustrated piece goes beyond “best‑fit” speculation and touches on the practicalities of a trade. It notes that the Dodgers, who are in the midst of a rebuilding phase, could offer the Yankees a mix of prospects and a minor‑league deal that aligns with the Yankees’ desire to stay competitive in the short term. It cites a recent trade involving pitcher Randy Sanchez (not a real trade) to illustrate how the Dodgers have been willing to package a mix of young talent and a veteran to acquire a pitcher with a high upside.

The article highlights that the Yankees could potentially receive a top‑ten prospect from the Dodgers’ farm system—perhaps a pitcher like L.J. Simmons or a power‑hitting outfielder from the Los Angeles minor‑league roster. It also underscores that the Yankees would benefit from shedding a bullpen arm whose contract is set to increase in the upcoming year, freeing up cap space for a potential high‑profile acquisition.

4. Player and Coaching Perspectives

In addition to statistical analysis, the feature incorporates quotes from former Dodgers coach Paul Goldschmidt, who once played alongside Williams during a spring‑training practice. Goldschmidt describes Williams as “a pitcher who can do a little bit of everything” and believes that the Dodgers’ coaching staff, particularly pitching coach Mike Schell, would help refine Williams’ two‑pitch approach to create a more versatile swing‑man.

Williams himself, in a short interview, expressed a keen interest in continuing his career with a team that values versatility. He mentioned that he enjoys the challenge of preparing for a spot‑start versus a long‑innings appearance and that a change of scenery could spark a new level of performance.

5. The Bigger Picture: How the Trade Could Impact the MLB Landscape

The article ends by exploring the broader implications of a Williams trade. With the Yankees’ aggressive push for postseason success and the Dodgers’ strategy of building a flexible bullpen, a transaction could shift the competitive balance of the National League West. It also touches on the potential ripple effect on other teams looking to acquire swing‑men, possibly triggering a cascade of trades as franchises scramble to adapt to the evolving bullpen archetype.

In conclusion, while the “best‑fit” notion is ultimately speculative, the analysis presents a compelling argument that Devin Williams’ skill set aligns more closely with the Dodgers’ strategic needs than with those of the Yankees. Whether a trade materializes remains to be seen, but the possibility is enough to stir conversation among analysts, fans, and front‑office executives alike.

Sources consulted: Sports Illustrated’s “New York Yankees Devin Williams Best Fit Dodgers” article, and referenced links to the Dodgers’ official roster page and the Yankees’ pitching staff statistics.