The most impressive appearance of Devin Williams at the Yankees comes with Pete Alonso’s revenge.

In a season filled with volatility and speculation surrounding his role, Devin Williams made a defining statement in the heart of the Subway Series against the New York Mets. His electric performance in the eighth inning of a 6-2 victory at Yankee Stadium wasn’t just a routine appearance—it was a milestone in his journey back to form, especially considering who he faced: Pete Alonso.

After struggling earlier in the year and being removed from the closer role, Williams has slowly but surely rebuilt his confidence. But on this night, in front of a raucous Bronx crowd, he delivered what may be the most impressive performance of his Yankees tenure—and it came with an extra layer of drama.

The Painful Past: Alonso’s Wild Card Heroics

To truly appreciate Williams’ moment of redemption, one must go back to the 2023 NL Wild Card Series, where he was still pitching for the Milwaukee Brewers. Entering Game 3, the Brewers were on the verge of advancing, and Williams took the mound to close out the series. But fate had a cruel twist in store.

On a 0-1 pitch, Pete Alonso drilled a go-ahead home run—one that completely altered the course of the game and the series. The Mets went on to win, eliminating the Brewers, and Williams’ reputation as a dominant closer took a major hit. It was a moment that lingered and cast a shadow over the following offseason.

Fresh Start in Pinstripes

The offseason brought change. In a move that surprised many, the Yankees traded for Devin Williams, sending Nestor Cortes and Caleb Durbin to Milwaukee. It was a bold gamble—one meant to strengthen the bullpen and provide late-inning firepower.

However, Williams’ debut in New York was shaky. In his first 10 appearances, he blew multiple saves, struggled with control, and quickly lost the closer role to Luke Weaver, who had already proven himself in late 2024 when replacing Clay Holmes.

With high expectations weighing heavily, the pressure in the Bronx only intensified as Williams tried to adjust.

Reborn in the Eighth Inning

By May 17, 2025, Williams had settled into a setup role, one that allowed him to refocus without the constant glare of ninth-inning pressure. And in Friday night’s game against the Mets, he faced a pivotal challenge—one with narrative weight and symbolic importance.

With the Yankees holding a comfortable lead, Williams entered the eighth inning and was immediately greeted by Pete Alonso, the same hitter who had dealt him such a devastating blow months earlier. The stakes were different, but the emotional gravity remained.

Williams wasted no time. He started Alonso with a pair of well-placed fastballs, then fired a 94 mph four-seamer on the outside corner. Alonso didn’t swing. Strike three. A cold-blooded revenge moment in the heart of the Bronx.

He wasn’t done.

Next up was Mark Vientos, who fell victim to a nasty changeup—a pitch that had earned Williams the nickname “Airbender” during his best years in Milwaukee. Then came Brandon Nimmo, another strikeout swinging. Three up, three down. Williams had struck out the side, something he hadn’t done in any of his prior 17 Yankees appearances.

Boone’s Praise for Williams

After the game, Yankees manager Aaron Boone offered high praise for his embattled reliever.

“He was great,” Boone said. “His fastball was good and there were a couple changeups that just disappeared. In our dugout, the depth on those pitches was really good. That’s who he is right there, and we’re seeing it more and more.”

Boone’s confidence reflects what the numbers are starting to show—Devin Williams is back on track, and if he continues this trajectory, he could once again become one of the most trusted arms in the American League.

Setup Role Breeds Confidence

While many relievers thrive on the adrenaline of the ninth inning, others flourish when expectations are reset. For Williams, the setup role has provided a platform for growth and recovery.

Since being moved out of the closer role, he has appeared in eight games. Aside from one poor outing against the Padres on May 5, Williams has been scoreless in seven of those appearances, showing improved command, better velocity, and renewed confidence in his changeup.

The Airbender, once elusive, is back to dancing.

The Return of the Airbender

One of the biggest concerns when Williams arrived in New York was the diminished effectiveness of his signature pitch. The changeup, famous for its unnatural movement and velocity differential, simply wasn’t fooling hitters the way it once did.

But in recent weeks, it has reemerged as a weapon.

Against Vientos, the Airbender dropped off the table, leaving the Mets hitter swinging at air. Statcast data showed over 14 inches of horizontal movement, and the swing-and-miss rate on his changeup has climbed to 42%, a dramatic improvement from April’s 29%.

If that pitch continues to perform at this level, Williams may quickly climb back into high-leverage territory.

Pete Alonso: Catalyst and Closure

That Alonso was the first batter in the inning made it all the more poetic. The memory of last October’s home run hung in the air, but this time, Williams flipped the script.

It wasn’t just revenge—it was closure. By striking out Alonso on three pitches, Williams took ownership of a narrative that had haunted him. The look on Alonso’s face said it all: this wasn’t the same pitcher he faced in Milwaukee.

In many ways, Alonso has bookended Williams’ recent struggles. Their rivalry, however unspoken, has come full circle—with Williams delivering the latest and most resounding blow.

Yankees Bullpen Gaining Shape

The New York Yankees bullpen has evolved into a powerhouse unit this season. With Luke Weaver closing, Clay Holmes working the middle innings, and now Devin Williams thriving in the eighth, manager Aaron Boone has a trio that can shorten any game.

Williams, once the missing piece, now looks like a vital cog in the postseason machine. If he continues to pitch with this level of confidence and command, the Yankees will enter October with arguably the deepest bullpen in baseball.

Numbers Tell the Story

Since May 1st, Williams has been nothing short of elite. Here’s a quick snapshot of his recent form:

• ERA: 1.23

• Opponent batting average: .143

• Strikeout-to-walk ratio: 4.8:1

• Swing-and-miss rate on changeups: 42%

• Average fastball velocity: 94.8 mph

These stats are even more impressive considering the pressure of playing in New York and adapting to a new league and new hitters.

Could the Closer Role Return?

While Luke Weaver has been exceptional, there’s always a possibility that roles evolve, especially if Williams continues to dominate. With his experience and pedigree, Williams could reclaim the ninth inning—though the Yankees are wisely taking a cautious approach.

For now, the focus is on building momentum and confidence. But come playoff time, Boone may have a decision to make, especially if Williams continues shutting down top hitters like he did Friday night.

Mental Growth and Maturity

Part of Williams’ resurgence has been mental. Sources close to the Yankees’ clubhouse say he’s working closely with team psychologists, focusing on breathing, visualization, and emotional regulation on the mound.

These techniques have helped him stay present during high-leverage situations. Gone is the frustration that marked his early Bronx outings. In its place? A calm, composed competitor ready to silence any stadium.

Final Thoughts: A Bronx Revival

Devin Williams’ eighth-inning dominance against the Mets was more than just three outs. It was a symbolic act of redemption, especially against the man who once sent his career into a tailspin.

In striking out Pete Alonso, then two more Mets batters in succession, Williams reminded everyone why he was once considered the best reliever in baseball. For the Yankees, it’s a win that boosts both their bullpen depth and postseason outlook.

For Williams, it’s a sign that the past no longer defines him—and the future may be brighter than ever.