Former Milwaukee Brewers and current New York Yankees All-Star closer Devin Williams is headed to the Bronx to become the new full-time closer for the reigning American League champions.
On the other hand, Williams, nicknamed “The Airbender” for his unique changeup, initially thought that he would be heading to Los Angeles to become the newest bullpen piece for the Dodgers until New York struck a deal, unbeknownst to the two-time Trevor Hoffman NL Reliever of the Year award winner.
Chris Kirschner of The Athletic delves into the trade situation between Williams and the Yankees, noting how the Yankees had garnered interest in him since the trade deadline.
“I kind of thought I’d be going to LA,” Williams said on Tuesday. “That’s what I was being told. The Yankees snuck in there under the table and got the deal done.”
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Dave Roberts will be entering his 10th season as Dodgers manager, joining Walter Alston, Tommy Lasorda, and Wilbert Robinson as the only managers in franchise history to be with the club for at least 10 seasons. Throughout his tenure, Roberts has led the Dodgers to the postseason every season, captured nine division titles, four World Series appearances and two championships, and won the 2016 National League Manager of the Year. All this while while being the active leader in winning percentage for managers.
Once the Dodgers have fully assembled their 2025 roster, general manager Brandon Gomes will make it a priority to discuss an extension with Roberts, reports Sonja Chen of MLB.com.
“We’ve talked to him, like, ‘Hey, let’s get our team in a good place, and then we’re going to sit down and talk,’” general manager Brandon Gomes said last week at the Winter Meetings in Dallas. “So the expectation is, let’s get through all of this player stuff, and then we can have conversations.”
Roberts spoke on the ongoing saga between the Dodgers and free agent outfielder Teoscar Hernández, with the Dodgers’ manager speaking optimistically about the team’s chances for a reunion with the two-time All Star, per the Dodgers Bleed Los Podcast.
“I love Teo, and so I think we’re close. I pray— everyone, say your prayers that we get Teo done so he can come back in Dodger blue as well.”