A New Chapter for Devin Williams
TAMPA — The morning of his second day as a New York Yankee, Devin Williams had already had to shave his beard at the team’s request. As he stood in front of his locker on Wednesday, a reporter approached with a question that seemed oddly out of place: "What about the worst moment of your 2024 season?" Williams, known for his soft-spoken and friendly demeanor, couldn’t help but wonder why they were dredging up the past. "Why are we talking about last year?" he asked, a hint of bewilderment in his voice. Nevertheless, the 2025 Yankees’ new closer decided to engage, ready to address the iconic home run that Pete Alonso hit off him in the Wild Card Series.
The Home Run That Shook the Wild Card Series
The moment in question was a defining one in the 2024 Wild Card Series. In the top of the ninth inning of Game 3, with the Mets trailing the Brewers, Pete Alonso stepped up to the plate. On a 3-1 count, Williams threw a changeup that Alonso crushed, sending it over the fence for a three-run homer. This single at-bat not only propelled the Mets past the Brewers but also seemed to rekindle the bond between Alonso and the team, extending their magical season. The home run was a significant blow for Williams, a pitcher known for his dominant performances and a career ERA of 1.83. When asked about it, Williams acknowledged the impact but maintained his composure. "I mean, if he did [have a tell], is he really going to say yes?" Williams countered. "Are they going to tell you guys [in the media]? Are they going to put that out? I don’t think so."
The Debate Over Pitch Tipping
The question of whether Williams tips his pitches gained traction after a viral video by Jimmy O’Brien, better known as Jomboy. O’Brien’s breakdown suggested that Williams might hold his hand higher on the glove before throwing a changeup and lower before a fastball. He also observed that Williams might lift the glove slightly closer to his chin when delivering an offspeed pitch. These subtle differences, if true, could have given Alonso an edge in that critical at-bat. I reached out to a trusted source within the Mets, who confirmed that Alonso had said he "didn’t have anything" on Williams. A second well-placed source reiterated the same. When I relayed this information to Williams, he remained reflective but confident in his own abilities. "I didn’t really watch the video," Williams admitted. "It was so slight. It doesn’t really matter if he did — that’s on me for tipping pitches if he did. But I never looked at it that way."
Williams’ Perspective on the Home Run
To Williams, the issue was more about pitch location. A changeup thrown by a right-handed pitcher typically fades down and in to a right-handed hitter. However, Alonso prefers the ball down and in. Williams attempted to throw the pitch away from Alonso, but it ended up being "a little bit too up, too much plate." This strategic adjustment, while well-intentioned, ultimately backfired. Despite the anomaly of the home run, Williams’ career is characterized by excellence. His two-time All-Star status and NL Rookie of the Year award are testaments to his skill and consistency. The Yankees, recognizing his potential, conducted a thorough analysis of his pitching mechanics before trading for him. They emerged from their evaluation confident that Williams does not tip pitches, a stance that aligns with his overall record of success.
The Yankees’ Comprehensive Tipping Program
The Yankees have a robust tipping program designed to identify and correct any tells in their pitchers’ deliveries. Before trading for Williams, the team conducted an in-depth analysis of his mechanics. Their findings confirmed that Williams does not tip his pitches, a conclusion that aligns with his exceptional performance metrics. Williams, for his part, is focused on the present and the future. He acknowledges the significance of the home run but is determined to move forward, confident in his abilities and the support of his new team. "To me, the issue was location," he reiterated. "That’s where my focus is now."
Moving On and Looking Forward
With the tipping issue now addressed, the conversation can shift to the present and the expectations for Williams in the 2025 season. As the new Yankee closer, Williams is poised to bring his exceptional skills and mental fortitude to a team known for its high standards and championship aspirations. The home run to Alonso, while a memorable moment, is just a small part of a rich baseball career. Williams is ready to write the next chapter in his story, one pitch at a time.
