The Yankees made an aggressive move this offseason, shipping off lefty Nestor Cortes, prospect Caleb Durbin, and more to land All-Star closer Devin Williams from Milwaukee. The idea? Bolster a bullpen capable of surviving October.
But now, that gamble is looking more like a misstep.
Williams, expected to be a dominant late-inning weapon, has faltered with a 4.58 ERA across 35.1 innings. Meanwhile, the Yankees’ third base situation has turned into a glaring weakness, exactly the role Durbin is quietly excelling in for the Brewers.
Caleb Durbin Could’ve Been the Answer in the Bronx
Caleb Durbin, 25, isn’t just producing, he’s thriving. Through 75 games, the infielder is slashing .265/.350/.382, showing elite contact skills and remarkable plate discipline. He ranks in the 95th percentile in whiff rate and 98th in strikeout rate. That level of consistency at the plate would be a breath of fresh air for a Yankees lineup that often swings for the fences or busts.
And it’s not just his bat.
Durbin has also been a force defensively at third base, logging six defensive runs saved and one out above average. His ability to deliver in high-leverage spots, boasting an .843 OPS with runners in scoring position, makes him the kind of high-floor, reliable contributor the Yankees sorely lack.
There’s no denying Williams’ talent. When healthy and sharp, his changeup is devastating. But the numbers don’t lie — he’s underperforming. And with free agency looming next winter, this could turn into a rental with little payoff.
As for Nestor Cortes, injuries have kept him from contributing much for the Brewers. But he was never the centerpiece of the deal.
That honor may now belong to Durbin.
Durbin may never be a superstar, but he’s exactly what the Yankees need: a cost-controlled, steady, clutch infield bat with defensive versatility. Letting him go in a win-now move that’s failing to pay off could haunt the team for seasons to come.
For now, he’s proving in Milwaukee what the Bronx is missing.
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