The rumor of closer Devin Williams ditching the New York Yankees for their biggest rival, the Boston Red Sox, is a very real possibility fueled by reports of interest from Boston and Williams’ poor 2025 campaign in the Bronx.
While the “blockbuster $60 million deal” figure is likely an analyst projection (some have him projected for four years, $68 million, while others project as low as one year, $10 million), the interest from Boston is verified and the scenario would be a classic Yankees/Red Sox rivalry move.
The Dynamics Driving the Red Sox Interest
Williams, a two-time All-Star, posted a career-worst 4.79 ERA in 62 innings with the Yankees in 2025, a season that saw him lose the closer role multiple times. This poor performance creates a unique opportunity for Boston:
- Discount Opportunity: His high ERA means he won’t command the long-term, top-tier closer money that players like Edwin Díaz will receive. The Red Sox can likely acquire a high-upside reliever on a reduced, short-term, “prove-it” contract (analysts project a deal around three years, $51 million, which is far lower than his pre-Yankees value).
- Underlying Metrics are Strong: Despite the ERA, Williams’ peripherals remain elite. His 34.7% strikeout rate was in the 97th percentile of MLB, and his FIP (2.68) and xERA (3.11) suggest he was a victim of bad luck. The Red Sox would be banking on a major positive regression.
- Rivalry Factor: As one source noted, Yankees fans would “likely rather not see him turn his luck around with their hated American League East rivals from Boston.” The Red Sox would undoubtedly relish the chance to turn a Yankees “flameout” into a key piece of their bullpen.
Red Sox Bullpen Fit
The Red Sox bullpen needs depth and high-leverage arms. While they already have Aroldis Chapman slated as the closer for 2026, Williams is reportedly “not wedded” to a ninth-inning role. He would immediately slot in as the top right-handed setup arm, forming a devastating late-inning trio alongside Chapman and Garrett Whitlock.
The Verdict
Multiple reports indicate that the Red Sox are among a dozen teams showing interest in Williams. Given Boston’s need for a high-strikeout arm and Williams’ market correction due to his struggles in New York, the possibility of the “Airbender” moving to Fenway Park is one of the most compelling storylines of the offseason.
