The New York Yankees have started the 2025 season strongly, but not all new additions have performed as expected. Max Fried has exceeded expectations with a stellar 1.43 ERA, while Paul Goldschmidt has been a standout hitter with impressive stats. In contrast, Cody Bellinger has struggled, and Devin Williams, a former top reliever, has faced significant challenges, posting an 11.25 ERA and losing his closer role. Despite the setback, Williams remains optimistic, attributing his struggles to needing more in-game reps and acknowledging the need for improvement to regain his position. His early-season performance has raised concerns among Yankees fans and prompted questions about his ability to perform under New York's pressure.

The Yankees' 2025 season has been promising, with free agent Max Fried showing exceptional performance, winning five of his first six starts, and achieving a 1.43 ERA.

Paul Goldschmidt has been a key offensive player for the Yankees, achieving a .365 batting average, .417 on-base percentage, and .471 slugging percentage, marking him as one of the team's top hitters.

Cody Bellinger, acquired from the Chicago Cubs, has struggled with a -0.1 WAR, reflecting his difficulty in making a positive impact on the team early in the season.

Devin Williams, despite being a two-time National League Reliever of the Year, has had a rough start with the Yankees, recording an 11.25 ERA over his first eight innings, leading to his removal from the closer role by manager Aaron Boone.

Williams has expressed optimism about improving, citing a need for more reps and acknowledging his history of slow starts, though his current performance has raised concerns about his ability to perform in New York.

The demotion from the closer role has been a humbling experience for Williams, who recognizes the need to work harder to regain his position, especially amid the scrutiny of Yankees fans and media.

Peter Chawaga, the journalist covering this story, brings extensive experience in MLB reporting, having conducted high-profile interviews and contributing to multiple sports outlets, emphasizing the significance of Williams' situation.

The New York Yankees are off to a strong start behind a new-look roster for 2025, though some additions haven’t panned out as hoped.

Free agent signing Max Fried has been even better than expected, posting a 1.43 ERA across five wins in his first six starts. And veteran first baseman Paul Goldschmidt has been swinging one of the team’s hottest bats, with a .365/.417/.471 slash line to open the year.

Then there is Cody Bellinger, who arrived via trade from the Chicago Cubs to the tune of a -0.1 WAR so far. And Devin Williams, a two-time National League Reliever of the Year Award winner, who has had the harshest adjustment.

After three straight sub-2.00 ERA seasons, Williams has been hit for a 11.25 ERA in his first eight innings with the Yankees, prompting manager Aaron Boone to remove him from the closer role before the team’s Sunday matchup against the Toronto Blue Jays.

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After that move, Williams responded with some optimism that he will get back on track soon, according to Max Goodman of NJ Advance Media.

“It’s really just reps,” Williams said.

“I always start a little slow,” he added. “It’s just getting reps, in-game reps.”

Williams has had a history of starting off slowly en route to some stellar campaigns, but this start to this season has offered a bit more cause for concern. He has given up 10 earned runs in just seven games, resulting in some boos from Yankees fans and questions about whether he can handle the pressure of playing in New York.

Following the demotion, Williams seemed to understand that his performance would have to improve to recapture his closer role going forward.

“You work for years to get to that point,” he said. “To have that taken away from you, it’s not a fun feeling at all. But can’t say it’s undeserved.”

More MLB: Yankees make Devin Williams decision as concerns mount: insider