We have a pretty big MLB trade ourselves! On Friday!

The New York Yankees didn’t let the loss to Juan Soto stop them from tinkering with their World Series roster. And the Milwaukee Brewers are looking to continue their winning ways after losing in the Wild Card last season.

That brings us to this deal between Stud Brewers closer Devin Williams and a Yankees team that desperately needed a bullpen arm to close things out. This is a fascinating thing.

Who won this deal? As always, that’s what we’re here for. Here are the trading notes for both sides as the news is released on Friday:

Yankees-Brewers trade details:

Yankees get: RHP Devin Williams

Brewers receive: LHP Nestor Cortes, infielder Caleb Durbin

Yankees class

This is pretty simple. Williams is an elite closer who turns 31 next September. The Yankees needed a reliable closer after what we saw last season and postseason, even leading up to the World Series.

So they acquired Williams at a relatively low price – Cortes wasn’t as good in 2024 after struggling in 2023, and we saw that in the postseason. Durbin isn’t a top candidate, although the guy has some speed.

It’s a step you take when you’re an aspirant. Simply.

Grade: A-minus

Brewer quality

You read all of the above and think the Brewers got hosed in this deal, right? But no.

You see, they never intended to sign Williams to a long-term deal, which is a good idea even when you’re talking about an elite bullpen arm like him.

So they got Cortes — who, despite some struggles, has shown he’s a solid rotation pitcher — and a prospect. A good return for a player they didn’t want to keep!

That deserves a decent grade, especially considering the Brewers had some names that could make up for Williams’ absence last season.

Grade: B