Cubs-Yankees blockbuster trade idea reunites Devin Williams and Craig Counsell
Context:
Devin Williams, acquired by the New York Yankees this offseason, has underperformed with an ERA over 10, leading to speculation about a potential trade before he becomes a free agent. The Chicago Cubs, in need of a strong reliever, might consider trading for Williams, hoping he can regain his form away from New York's pressure. Despite his struggles, Williams has a history of success, notably under Craig Counsell with the Milwaukee Brewers, which could make him an appealing option for the Cubs. The Cubs, currently lacking a setup man for Ryan Pressley, might be willing to take a chance on Williams due to their bullpen needs. The Yankees aim for Williams to return to form to aid their World Series aspirations, but if not, trading him could prevent losing him with no return when free agency begins.
Dive Deeper:
Devin Williams, acquired by the Yankees, has not performed up to expectations this season, posting an ERA over 10 and losing his role as closer, with his performance falling significantly compared to previous seasons.
The Yankees, hoping for Williams to regain his form to bolster their World Series ambitions, may consider trading him before free agency if his struggles persist, to avoid losing him without compensation.
The Chicago Cubs, having missed securing a strong reliever in the offseason, could be interested in Williams despite his current form, hoping a change of environment could help him recover his All-Star capabilities.
Craig Counsell, who managed Williams during his successful stint as a setup man for Josh Hader with the Milwaukee Brewers, could be a key factor in the Cubs’ interest, potentially helping Williams transition back to form.
Williams' current performance may deter interest from other teams, but his previous success under Counsell and the Cubs' pressing bullpen needs might prompt them to take the risk.
The potential trade is seen as a strategic move for both teams: the Yankees to prevent losing Williams for nothing, and the Cubs to strengthen their bullpen with a player familiar with Counsell's management style.
Aaliyan Mohammed, the sports journalist reporting on this scenario, has extensive experience covering MLB prospects and teams, providing insights into potential trades and team strategies.
The New York Yankees traded for Devin Williams this offseason, but he has not looked like himself so far this season. The Yankees could explore trading him near the trade deadline. The Chicago Cubs could be among those interested in him.
So far this season, Williams has not looked like the two-time All-Star the Yankees thought they were getting. His ERA is above 10, he has been stripped of closer duties and has allowed as many earned runs as the previous two seasons combined. He will be a free agent after this season.
The Yankees are hoping Williams can start pitching like himself again and help them get back to the World Series. However, if he continues to struggle, they may look to trade him to a team willing to try and fix him, before he walks for nothing in return when free agency starts. FanSided's Mirana Remaklus thinks the Cubs could take a chance on Williams.
"One team that may call on the Yankees is the Chicago Cubs," wrote Remaklus. "The team failed to make the one deal they desperately needed this offseason by not acquiring a strong reliever. The Cubs could make a move to get Williams out of the blinding lights of New York and hope that he can recapture his All-Star form back in the Midwest."
The way he his playing now will not have many teams picking up the phone to try and get him. However, perhaps nobody knows what Williams is capable of more than Craig Counsell. Counsell managed Williams with the Milwaukee Brewers and even saw his transition into becoming a shutdown closer.
The Cubs have Ryan Pressley, but they could use someone like Williams to be his setup man. Williams was the setup man for Josh Hader for many years under Counsell. The Cubs might be desperate enough in the bullpen to take a chance on a struggling Williams.
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