NEW YORK — As murmurs grow louder in the Bronx about the Yankees’ late-inning struggles, Devin Williams is staying cool under pressure — and making it clear he’s not rattled by the noise.
Amid increasing calls from some fans for a shake-up in the closer role, Williams addressed the situation with the same calm confidence that has defined his short time in pinstripes.
“Pressure’s just part of the job,” Williams said before Saturday’s game. “Honestly, I feel right at home here. New York’s energy pushes you to be your best — that’s why I came here.”
Since arriving via a high-profile offseason trade, Williams has had moments of brilliance, flashing the devastating changeup that made him an All-Star in Milwaukee. However, a few recent hiccups — including a blown save earlier this week — have sparked debate among fans hungry for championship-level dominance.
But Williams isn’t flinching.
“Look, nobody holds themselves to a higher standard than I do,” he said. “This team has my back, and I have theirs. The only thing I’m focused on is getting better every day and helping us win.”
Manager Aaron Boone also threw his support behind Williams, calling the closer “an elite talent” and stressing that “one or two outings don’t define a season.” Boone emphasized that Williams’ track record speaks for itself and believes he will settle into the role as the summer heats up.
Some fans have floated the idea of moving Williams to a setup role temporarily, but the Yankees’ clubhouse remains united.
Veteran pitcher Gerrit Cole voiced his support: “Devin’s the guy. He’s built for this. You don’t judge someone in April — you judge them when it matters most.”
For his part, Williams seems to thrive in the New York spotlight rather than shrink from it.
“If people are talking, that means they care. I’d rather have that than silence,” Williams said with a slight smile. “I’m embracing everything about this city — the expectations, the passion, all of it.”
As the Yankees push through the early part of the season with championship aspirations, Devin Williams is betting on himself — and betting that by October, the Bronx faithful will be chanting his name for all the right reasons.
