1 trade target, 1 free agent to solve Yankees' Devin Williams problem

The Yankees have a real problem brewing as yet another Devin Williams meltdown on Friday against the Toronto Blue Jays resulted in a horrible loss and more fan outrage. Williams' issues have had the entire organization scrambling in an attempt to diagnose what is wrong with the former all-world closer.

What is for sure is Williams' strikeouts are down, his walks and hits are up, and he's bleeding runs every time out there with an 11.25 ERA at the time of this writing. If he doesn't turn it around fast, the Bronx Bombers are going to be forced to throw up a help wanted sign: "Seeking closer -- required qualifications: competent, battle-tested, and effective." Assuming, of course, they don't just puke Luke Weaver in that role.

Fortunately, two options exist that check all of those boxes. One is a prime candidate to get moved at the trade deadline, while the other is still hanging out on the free-agent market. Kenley Jansen, somewhat surprisingly, signed a one-year, $10 million deal with the Los Angeles Angels this offseason, as he looks to rewrite the record books and cement his Hall of Fame legacy.

Meanwhile, old friend David Robertson is still hanging out on his couch as the 40-year-old Houdini has yet to find an offer he deems suitable in what is likely the final season of his distinguished career.

Acquiring Kenley Jansen and/or David Robertson would solve the Yankees' Devin Williams woes and more

So far this season, Jansen has been flawless, not allowing a single earned run over his first eight appearances. At 37 years old, he has a lot of mileage on his arm, however, his 1.78 FIP this season is his best mark since 2017, when he finished fifth in the NL Cy Young voting.

After years with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Jansen made brief stops in Atlanta and Boston and has an extensive track record of pitching in big games. His current club, the Angels, are coming off a franchise-worst 63-99 season in 2024 and, despite a hot start, have come crashing back down to earth of late.

The icing on the cake in hypothetically trading for Jansen would be the return of a ridiculous cutter coming from the right arm of a distinguished and experienced closer, something that should bring about fond memories for the Yankee faithful.

Speaking of fond memories, David Robertson, who serves as his own agent, showed last season that he's still got some gas left in the tank. The owner of one of the most beautifully devastating curveballs, Robertson logged 72 innings and struck out 12.38 batters per nine, posting a 3.00 ERA in the process. As his negotiating power begins to evaporate, a third stint in the Bronx might be very tempting.

Neither option is an immediate solution. The Angels are still trying to figure out what they are this season, so any deal for Jansen would have to come at the trade deadline. As for Robertson, with no spring training, he'd need some time to ramp up if he and the Yankees were to come to terms on a deal.

Even if Williams turns it around in the interim, adding one or both of Jansen and Robertson would make a ton of sense. Another crucial issue the Yankees face is that their starting rotation is in tatters after a rash of injuries, and while they might be able to find a starter or two at the deadline, they currently need almost an entirely new rotation, save for Max Fried.

Adding one or both of these exceptional vets to a bullpen that features stalwarts like Luke Weaver, Fernando Cruz, and Tim Hill would shorten games and take a lot of pressure off the injury-plagued rotation. It would also be reminiscent of the dominant 2009 Yankees' bullpen, which helped lead the charge to a World Series title despite having just three functional starters by season's end. By the way, a 24-year-old David Robertson was a member of that 2009 team.

While fixing Devin Williams is still the preferred route, the Yankees should strongly consider adding reinforcements, as either player mentioned would restore order to the late-inning proceedings and prevent a team with championship aspirations from being derailed long before the October chill fills the air.