After Missing on Kyle Tucker, Yankees Acquire Devin Williams and Shift Focus to Alex Bregman
The New York Yankees are making headlines again this offseason, signaling their intent to reload for a title run after a disappointing 2023 season. Following a failed pursuit of Houston Astros star outfielder Kyle Tucker, the Yankees pivoted quickly, acquiring elite closer Devin Williams from the Milwaukee Brewers. However, GM Brian Cashman and the Yankees aren’t done yet—they are now reportedly eyeing Houston Astros third baseman Alex Bregman as their next big target.
This bold sequence of moves highlights the Yankees’ aggressive approach to addressing their shortcomings, but it also raises significant questions about their strategy, future flexibility, and willingness to risk valuable assets to regain their contender status.
Part I: Failing to Land Kyle Tucker
The Yankees’ initial focus this offseason was on Kyle Tucker, one of the most well-rounded outfielders in Major League Baseball. The left-handed slugger was an ideal fit for New York’s needs. He would have provided a much-needed lefty presence in a predominantly right-handed lineup, elite defense in the corner outfield, and a consistent bat capable of hitting for both power and average. Tucker’s ability to thrive under pressure—highlighted by his postseason heroics—made him a perfect candidate to bolster the Yankees’ anemic offense.
However, the Astros’ unwillingness to part with their All-Star right fielder brought the talks to a halt. Houston views Tucker as a cornerstone of their future, and despite the Yankees reportedly dangling a tempting package of prospects, including Jasson Domínguez and Everson Pereira, the Astros declined to engage further.
This failure forced the Yankees to adjust their plans. Tucker may have been a dream acquisition, but his unattainability prompted Cashman to focus on other critical areas.
Part II: The Devin Williams Acquisition
Recognizing that their bullpen lacked a dominant closer, the Yankees pivoted to Devin Williams, one of the league’s most dominant relievers. The trade with the Milwaukee Brewers—rumored to involve top pitching prospect Drew Thorpe and additional minor-league talent—fortifies the Yankees’ ability to close out games.
Why Williams?
Williams is a game-changer on the mound. His signature “Airbender” changeup, one of the most effective pitches in baseball, has baffled hitters throughout his career. In 2023, he posted a 1.53 ERA with 87 strikeouts over 64 innings, solidifying his status as an elite closer.
For the Yankees, who struggled to maintain leads late in games last season, Williams’ arrival is a major upgrade. Pairing him with setup men like Michael King and Clay Holmes gives New York one of the most formidable bullpens in the league—a critical asset for any postseason run.
Implications of the Trade
Acquiring Williams comes with costs. The Yankees surrendered high-upside prospects, including Thorpe, who many viewed as a potential mid-rotation starter. However, this move signals that the Yankees are all-in for 2024. They view Williams as a critical piece of their championship puzzle, emphasizing immediate contention over long-term planning.
Part III: Turning to Alex Bregman
With Tucker out of reach and the bullpen fortified, the Yankees have shifted their focus to another Houston star: Alex Bregman. The two-time All-Star and former MVP finalist would be a blockbuster addition, providing the Yankees with both offensive firepower and defensive stability at third base.
Why Bregman?
The Yankees’ third-base situation has been a revolving door of inconsistency since the departure of Alex Rodriguez. Josh Donaldson failed to live up to expectations, and younger options like Oswald Peraza and Oswaldo Cabrera have yet to seize the role.
Bregman would immediately solve that problem. Known for his plate discipline, power, and clutch hitting, Bregman is a career .274 hitter with a .372 on-base percentage and a knack for performing in high-pressure situations. Defensively, he’s a reliable presence at the hot corner, which would solidify the Yankees’ infield alongside Anthony Volpe and Gleyber Torres (if Torres isn’t traded).
Additionally, Bregman’s fiery personality and leadership qualities could inject new energy into a Yankees clubhouse that at times seemed complacent during their 2023 struggles.
What Would It Take to Land Bregman?
Acquiring Bregman won’t be easy. While the Astros are reportedly open to listening on Bregman, given his impending free agency after the 2024 season, they’ll demand a significant return. A trade would likely require a package headlined by young, MLB-ready talent.
Potential pieces the Yankees could offer include:
- Jasson Domínguez: The switch-hitting outfielder is considered one of the top prospects in baseball. His inclusion would immediately grab Houston’s attention.
- Clarke Schmidt: A young, controllable pitcher who has shown promise as both a starter and reliever.
- Oswald Peraza: With Anthony Volpe entrenched at shortstop, Peraza could be an expendable but highly valuable trade chip.
While giving up such assets is risky, Bregman’s impact on the Yankees’ lineup and defense could justify the price.
Part IV: The Risks of Aggression
While the Yankees’ pursuit of Bregman and their acquisition of Williams are exciting, they come with significant risks.
- Depleting the Farm System: After trading several top prospects for Williams, doubling down on Bregman would further erode the Yankees’ minor-league depth. A farm system that was once considered among the league’s best could quickly become barren, leaving the Yankees vulnerable in the future.
- Short-Term Fixes: Bregman’s contract expires after the 2024 season. If the Yankees fail to extend him, they risk losing a major asset after just one season. Similarly, Williams’ prime as a closer might not align perfectly with the Yankees’ championship timeline, especially if injuries or other factors derail their 2024 campaign.
- Luxury Tax Implications: Both Williams and Bregman carry significant financial costs, and the Yankees are already operating near the luxury tax threshold. Adding Bregman could push them into uncharted financial territory, which ownership has historically been reluctant to enter.
Part V: The Yankees’ Championship Window
Despite the risks, these moves highlight Cashman’s determination to maximize the Yankees’ championship window. With Aaron Judge, Gerrit Cole, and Carlos Rodón in their primes, the time to win is now. The acquisition of Williams ensures that the Yankees have the pitching depth required to thrive in October, while Bregman’s addition would address one of the team’s most glaring weaknesses.
Additionally, these moves would signal to the fan base—and the rest of the league—that the Yankees are committed to returning to their winning ways. After a decade without a World Series appearance, anything less than a title would be considered a failure in the Bronx.
Part VI: A New Identity for the Yankees
The Yankees’ aggressive approach this offseason could also signify a shift in philosophy. For years, the team has oscillated between rebuilding and contending, hesitant to fully commit to either. By acquiring proven stars like Williams and (potentially) Bregman, Cashman appears to be embracing a win-now mentality, even if it comes at the expense of future flexibility.
This new identity—a team built around elite pitching and balanced offense—could be exactly what the Yankees need to break their championship drought.
Conclusion
The Yankees’ offseason is far from over, but their recent moves show a clear sense of urgency. After failing to land Kyle Tucker, Brian Cashman quickly rebounded by acquiring Devin Williams, bolstering the team’s bullpen. Now, with Alex Bregman in their sights, the Yankees are doubling down on their commitment to contend in 2024.
While these moves come with risks, they also reflect a boldness that fans have been craving. If the Yankees succeed in landing Bregman and addressing their remaining weaknesses, they could enter the 2024 season as legitimate World Series favorites.
For a franchise synonymous with winning, these moves are a reminder that the Yankees will always aim for greatness—even if it means taking big risks along the way.
