Diamondbacks checked in on Devin Williams before trade to Yankees

Arizona Sports Insider and radio host John Gambadoro reported that the Diamondbacks kicked the tires on the former Brewers closer.

Devin Williams is now a Yankee, as New York sent starter Nestor Cortes Jr. and prospect Caleb Durbin to land the former Brewers closer. As arguably the best closer on the trade market, the Yankees were not the only team inquiring about his availability. Arizona Sports Insider and co-host of the Burns & Gambo Show John Gambadoro reported last night that the Diamondbacks also inquired about Williams’ availability.

The Diamondbacks are looking for back-of-the-bullpen candidates. While the unit took some steps forward in 2024 with the emergence of Justin Martinez and the trade for A.J. Puk, a closer controversy played a big role in the team’s disappointing finish. Paul Sewald, the hero behind the team’s unlikely run in the 2023 postseason, bottomed out in the final three months of the season and was removed from the role.

Ideally, the player they add can immediately slot into the closer role. That would take the pressure off Martinez to have to grow into the role and allow manager Torey Lovullo to deploy Ginkel and Puk in big situations before the 9th inning.

There aren’t many free agent targets that could slot into the closer role. They could target Carlos Estevez, who they should be familiar with due to his time in Colorado, but he’ll have a hot market after a strong 2024 season. Kyle Finnegan was floated about here as a potential candidate, but he had a nightmare second half that put him on the street despite making the All-Star team. Turning to aging options such as Kirby Yates (38) and Kenley Jansen (37) also carry significant risk, as they could fall off a cliff and put the team in a much worse situation with their bullpen.

It will be interesting to see what GM Mike Hazen does to address the broad-sized hole with the bullpen.

Michael McDermott is a Contributor to FanSided’s MLB coverage on Call to the Pen, Venom Strikes, Dodgers Way, and Friars on Base. He has been writing about the Arizona Diamondbacks, and their minor league system, for 9 seasons for AZ Snake Pit, Diamondbacks on SI, and Burn City Sports.