Devin Williams' kind free agency words should ultimately mean nothing to Yankees

After a season full of demotions, rocky roads, and full-throated booing, Devin Williams contributed to ending the Yankees' season in Game 4 of the ALDS and, miraculously, no one was really all that upset with him. That's how far the arrow has moved on Williams, whose split-inning duty helped save the Yankees' leaky bullpen in Game 3, and who thrived as a high-strikeout setup man from mid-August through the end of the year.

A relationship that has long been assumed to have dissolved all the way back in ... May? Late April? ... might theoretically have a path towards continuing in 2026 and beyond. At the very least, Williams was smart enough to leave the door open after the Yankees' elimination, putting the ball in his now-former team's court.

Williams weathered things a lot better as the season dragged on — and as he began to call his own pitches. On the way out, he reiterated his preseason thoughts on staying in the organization long-term after absorbing at least 120 games' worth of Bronx Cheers.

These comments probably serve as a happy ending for all parties rather than an invitation to a conversation, but it at least seems like Williams came to appreciate the unique "challenge" he went through this year.

Departing Yankees reliever Devin Williams would be open to staying in New York

Oddly enough, Williams proved down the stretch that he's an excellent fit in the Bronx — as David Bednar's setup man, not as the big-money closer. While he might be a fun three-year addition to play that role next season and beyond, there's just no way he isn't getting closer money from somebody else this offseason, given his pedigree. The Dodgers feel like a lock to finally fulfill the prophecy.

If the Yankees lose Williams to some other team dangling an upgraded role, that'll leave yet another bullpen vacancy to be filled alongside Bednar, Fernando Cruz, Tim Hill and Camilo Doval. Based on what they just competed against in Toronto and Boston, it should be fairly clear that the Yankees' locked-down group constitutes less than half of a championship bullpen.

The more confident version of Williams who knows his role would be a big help, but odds are it's just not in the cards. Just shake his hand and thank him for the experience, we guess.