NEW YORK — It has been well documented that Devin Williams has struggled in the closer’s role for the New York Yankees throughout the 2025 season, often costing the team crucial victories. Most recently, during the Yankees’ series in Texas, Williams blew one save and took the loss in another, further compounding the bullpen’s inconsistency.

His trademark changeup-once dominant–has become increasingly hittable, and his command has frequently faltered in high-leverage moments. These repeated late-inning collapses have put added pressure on both the offense and the rest of the pitching staff, contributing to a tumultuous stretch that saw the Yankees blow four save opportunities — as a team — within a single week.

With the team desperate to halt a five-game losing streak, newly acquired reliever David Bednar delivered what may go down as one of the most pivotal performances of the season. Tasked with securing a five-out save, Bednar threw a gutsy 42 pitches and shut the door on the Rangers’ offense to preserve the win.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone reflected on the moment when he considered pulling Bednar before the final out. “That’s a dawg effort right there,” Boone said after the game. “I said [to Bednar], ‘I’m going to take you out.’ And he gave me a look like, ‘No you’re not.’ So I said, ‘You sure?’ He’s like, ‘Yeah, let’s go, I got this guy'”.

Bednar, acquired mid-season from the Pittsburgh Pirates, has been thrust into high-leverage situations almost immediately upon arrival. Despite the pressure, he embraced the moment. “I just wanted to bear down and get that last one,” Bednar YES Network postgame.

The victory he sealed wasn’t just another mark in the win column — it was a morale-saving result for a Yankees team that had looked deflated after repeated bullpen failures. With his poise and resilience, Bednar may have not only earned a save but also re-ignited the Yankees’ confidence at a critical juncture in the season.

Aaron Boone being confident in Bednar to close the game — even with the high pitch count — shows that Boone knows that Bednar has the stomach to be the closer for the New York Yankees down the stretch to October and beyond 2025.

(Top Image Credit: Yankees on X)