A DEVIN WILLIAMS REPLACEMENT COULD BE HAPPENING

So… is it safe to say the Devin Williams experiment is starting to feel more like a failed science fair project? You know, the kind where the volcano doesn’t erupt, the judges smile politely, and your mom says “you tried your best” on the drive home. I mean seriously, we should’ve known something was off when the man put more fight into saving his beard than saving games. Priorities, Devin!

Look, I’m not here to coddle feelings—this is Bleeding Yankee Blue, not a group therapy session. And I’m just being honest when I say Williams is giving off big “not built for the Bronx” energy. Maybe it’s the soft vibes, maybe it’s the 9.00 ERA in eight games, or maybe it’s that ninth-inning implosion against Tampa where he coughed up a four-run lead like it was a hairball. Whatever it is, it ain’t inspiring confidence.

Now, the Yankees are still doing the whole “let’s be patient” routine. Sure, let’s all hold hands and wait while Williams rediscovers his “airbender” pitch—currently missing more action than a Mets playoff appearance. But here’s the thing: the Bronx isn’t exactly the most forgiving place to “figure it out.”

Meanwhile, Fernando Cruz is over here making hitters look foolish with his elite splitter. The guy’s struck out 19 in just 12 innings, and he doesn’t even have to bring drama with it. No beard debates, no excuses, just straight filth. Yeah, he can’t go multiple innings, but neither can Williams—at least not without heart palpitations from the fanbase.

Oh, and let’s not forget Jonathan Loáisiga, who’s lurking in the shadows like Batman. He’s throwing live BP down in Tampa and creeping toward a return. If he gets healthy, suddenly Williams isn’t just looking over his shoulder—he’s looking at the bullpen door closing behind him.

Still, if we’re talking about the next closer in line, I’ve got two words for you: Luke. Weaver. I’ve been pounding this drum louder than John Sterling on a home run call. The guy shows up, shuts up, works hard, and owns his outings like a grown-up. Even when his velocity dipped, he kept dealing. That’s what a Yankee closer should be—not someone who needs a pep talk and a beard stylist after every outing.

Don’t get me wrong, Cruz in the ninth would be wild and probably a little fun. But to me, the pecking order is clear: Weaver closes, Cruz sets up, and Devin either figures it out fast or waits in the car.  

At the end of the day, this isn’t personal. It’s just baseball in New York. You either handle the heat or you’re off the stove. And right now, Williams is looking like lukewarm leftovers.