Yankees Reliever Best Fit for Dodgers?
New York Yankees relief pitcher Devin Williams will be navigating free agency this offseason after a rocky first season with the Yankees, and he could be a powerful asset on a new team. While his performance in New York gave fans pause, Williams has a strong history of being deadly on the mound, and he could enjoy the rest of his redemption arc in a new uniform.
Williams lost the closer role after a few blown saves damaged his reputation for getting out of games unscathed, and he was moved to lower-leverage spots for a time; a spot where he thrived. In the meantime, the Yankees made an active effort to shore up the bullpen amid a summer of disappointing losses (many of them pitching casualties). Among their acquisitions was Pittsburgh Pirates reliever David Bednar, who became the Yankees' replacement closer, and is expected to stay on into 2026.
Williams to the Dodgers?
On his list of MLB free agents who could break out on new teams in 2026, Bleacher Report's Zachary D. Rymer pointed out that Williams has an elite track record, and perhaps after one season floundering on the Yankees, could thrive under different circumstances (as he has before). Rymer specifically pointed to current World Series contenders the Los Angeles Dodgers as an ideal landing place for Williams.
"Williams said this month that he's open to returning to the Yankees, though his preference is to sign with a team as a closer," Rymer wrote. "Given the presence of David Bednar, that could complicate a reunion."
"Instead, how about the superpower on the other coast? Unless the Dodgers are going to keep Roki Sasaki in their bullpen — which seems unlikely — they're going to need to fix what is still a shaky relief corps even now in the World Series."
Williams in Pinstripes and Beyond
Williams joined the Yankees in December of 2024, and was their Opening Day closer in 2025. With time, Williams regained his footing and gave an impressive September and October performance, even earning himself a standing ovation after a 1 1/3 inning outing in a winning game of the ALCS.
Williams, 31, made his MLB debut in 2019 with the Milwaukee Brewers, where he played for six seasons. Williams was NL Rookie of the Year and NL Reliever of the Year in 2020 with a stunning 0.33 ERA in 22 games.
Williams has shared that he is open to a reunion with the Yankees, but after this season, it does feel unlikely. Williams ended the regular season with a 4.79 ERA in 67 games, and alongside embattled shortstop Anthony Volpe (who is now known to have been suffering from a shoulder injury), Williams took his fair share of abuse from Yankee fans and commentators this season. It's just as good a reason as any to get far away from New York, even with the redemption arc in progress.
Browns Star Myles Garrett Makes Feelings Clear on Dillon Gabriel
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Cleveland Browns star Myles Garrett had five sacks in a loss to the Patriots.
Cleveland Browns star Myles Garrett made his feelings clear on the team continuing to roll with Dillon Gabriel at quarterback after Sunday’s 32-13 loss to the New England Patriots.
The Browns wasted a historic five-sack performance from Garrett, who was visibly upset on the sideline in the waning moments of the loss. Garrett tried to singlehandedly take over the game for the Browns. Time after time, he got after Patriots quarterback Drake Maye, sending him to the turf. His five sacks were a franchise record for a single game but Garrett would have rather put up a tally in the win column.
“I would throw the whole performance away for a win,” Garrett said.
Outside of a successful opening drive, the Cleveland offense struggled mightily. Much of the offense’s lack of output falls on Gabriel, who fell to 1-3 as the starter. He passed for just 156 yards against the Patriots and tossed two interceptions — the first two turnovers of his career.
While fired up and frustrated, Garrett did not put the blame on Gabriel or the offense after the loss.
“I see a young quarterback who’s fighting. A young team that’s fighting, all across the board. We all have to help each other. There’s no one on the outside that’s going to help us, or someone who is going to come in with a magic cure-all. We have to rally together and find the best way to win at a unit and team. We’re the only ones who can get us out of this. We dug ourselves in this hole.”
Browns DE Myles Garrett Explains Sideline Tirade
As the clock ticked down in the fourth quarter, Garrett sat alone on the bench. The broadcast later showed him, recognizing his five-sack performance. But Garrett was irate in the moment and slammed his helmet in anger.
Garrett said it was because he was not going to go back into the game with the score out of hand.
“I’m frustrated. I want to win. I don’t care how much time is on the clock. If there’s a chance we can win, I want to be a part of that,” Garrett said. “I don’t care how dire the situation looks. I hate coming out in those situations and the inevitability, not being able to do anything about it. I want to win.”
🚨🚨AWFUL LOOK🚨🚨
Cleveland #Browns superstar psss rusher Myles Garrett was spotted YELLING and extremely angry on the sideline after Cleveland‘s performance today.
Garrett had a historic five sacks and seems extremely frustrated.
😬😬😬
Garrett demanded a trade this offseason, saying he wanted to play for a contender and feel what it was like to be in contention for a Super Bowl. After an extended standoff, Garrett ended up signing a four-year, $160 million extension that keeps him in Cleveland through the 2030 season.
Browns Sticking With Dillon Gabriel at Quarterback
The Browns head into their bye week at 2-6 and in search of answers. The offense has been one of the most unproductive and inconsistent in the NFL. It’s led to questions about whether Gabriel will remain the starter. While the Browns plan to look at “everything” during their break, they’ll continue to roll with Gabriel.
“Let me say that with a young quarterback, you understand that there’s gonna be ups and downs,” Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said.
That means fifth-round pick Shedeur Sanders will have to continue to wait for his opportunity. Sanders has served as the backup to Gabriel but missed Sunday’s game with a back injury.
Gabriel and the Browns have a prime opportunity to score a win out of the bye against the one-win New York Jets.
