Yankees Get 100.5 MPH Relief Dominator in Shock Trade Idea for $2.5 Million Vet

The New York Yankees have already established a strong back end for their bullpen heading into the 2025 season. On December 13, they acquired closer Devin Williams from the Milwaukee Brewers, bringing with him his unique “Airbender” pitch—a modified changeup—that helped him record 36 saves in 2023. Despite missing the first half of the 2024 season due to stress fractures in his spine, he added 14 more saves that year.

Supporting Williams will be veteran Luke Weaver, who has spent nine years in the league and emerged as a legitimate closer after taking over from Clay Holmes down the stretch in 2024. Weaver saved four games in September and another four in the postseason, playing a key role in helping the Yankees reach their first World Series in 15 years.

However, the Yankees are still looking to strengthen their bullpen. They reportedly explored adding San Diego Padres closer Tanner Scott but have shifted their focus to former Texas Rangers lefty Andrew Chafin.

Despite the promising bullpen, there are underlying concerns regarding the Yankees’ late-inning pitchers. The two key players—Williams and Weaver—are 30 and 31 years old, and both have injury or performance concerns. Williams’ recent back injury and his pending free agency in 2026 could create future uncertainty at closer. Weaver, while coming off a career year in 2024, is expected to see a decline in performance in 2025, with projections showing an ERA rise.

A surprising trade proposal could address these concerns while strengthening the Yankees’ future. A potential deal sending Weaver to the Minnesota Twins in exchange for hard-throwing reliever Jhoan Duran could benefit both teams. Duran, who averaged 100.5 mph on his fastball in 2024, is younger (27 years old), under team control for two more years, and a more dominant pitcher than Weaver. This would secure a potential long-term solution at closer for the Yankees if Williams leaves via free agency.

For the Twins, Weaver’s $2.5 million salary makes him an attractive option as they look to reduce financial commitments. Duran’s higher salary of $4.125 million could be justified by his superior pitching and future value.

With spring training approaching, it remains to be seen whether the Yankees will part with one of their postseason heroes, Weaver, to solidify their closer position for years to come with this unexpected trade move.