Yankees Fans Call for Bullpen Shake-Up After Devastating Collapse Against Rays
The New York Yankees’ red-hot momentum came to a crashing halt on Saturday—and fans are pointing fingers directly at the back of the bullpen.
In what should have been a smooth finish to a strong performance, the Yankees watched a four-run lead evaporate in the late innings against the Tampa Bay Rays. Now, after closer Devin Williams surrendered the lead and spiked his ERA to a shocking 9.00, Yankees Nation is demanding major changes—starting with the ninth inning.
From Sure Win to Stunning Loss
With an 8-4 lead entering the ninth and just one out already in hand, the Yankees had a 99.4% win probability. But what followed was nothing short of a meltdown. Williams gave up hit after hit, and before fans could process what happened, the Rays stormed all the way back to a 10-8 extra-innings victory, snapping the Yankees’ five-game winning streak.
“It’s frustrating,” Williams said postgame. “I made some good pitches, made some bad ones. Not enough good ones today.”
That’s putting it mildly. Yankees fans aren’t just frustrated—they’re furious, and many are calling for Luke Weaver to permanently take over the closer role.
Fanbase Rallying Behind Luke Weaver
Weaver, the unsung hero of last year’s postseason run, has been lights out so far in 2025. With two saves, 11 scoreless innings, and a 0.9 bWAR, he’s proving that last October was no fluke. Meanwhile, Williams has struggled mightily with an 8-7 strikeout-to-walk ratio and negative WAR.
One fan on Reddit summed it up best:
“Weaver should be the closer, period. He’s earned it. Williams is just not built for New York pressure.”
Another echoed that sentiment, saying,
“It’s like déjà vu. Another reliever who falls apart under the bright lights. This is not what a championship bullpen looks like.”
Yankees Management Playing the Long Game
Despite the outcry, manager Aaron Boone and captain Aaron Judge stood by Williams after the loss. Boone pointed to the early part of the season and stressed patience. But patience may be running thin.
Williams, a two-time All-Star acquired in a high-profile offseason deal, was handed the closer’s job immediately upon arrival. That decision is now being second-guessed across Yankees Twitter and message boards alike.
Money or Merit? The Bullpen Controversy Deepens
Some fans suspect financial factors are playing a role in Williams keeping the job. With Williams earning significantly more than Weaver, speculation is swirling that the Yankees are sticking with him to justify the investment.
“If this team is serious about winning a World Series, you go with the guy who’s getting it done, not the guy with the bigger paycheck,” one user posted.
The Bottom Line: It’s Time to Rethink the Closer Role
The Yankees are still off to a strong start in 2025, but no team wins a championship with uncertainty at the back end of the bullpen. If Devin Williams can’t turn it around soon, the pressure will mount on Boone to make a change—and fans won’t stop calling for it.
Weaver, a postseason-tested arm who’s thriving again this year, feels like the obvious choice. The only question now: How long can the Yankees wait before making the move?
