“Airbender” Wows at Devin Williams’ Yankees Camp

At Yankees camp in Tampa, Florida, Devin Williams’ signature pitch, the “Airbender,” is drawing significant attention from players and coaches alike. The unique changeup, which earned its distinctive nickname, is a subject of curiosity for those witnessing it firsthand.

Williams, acquired from the Brewers in December, will assume the closer role for the Yankees. He is accustomed to the reactions his pitch generates, having been a two-time All-Star and two-time National League Reliever of the Year with Milwaukee.

Beyond the Airbender, recognized as the highest-spin changeup in baseball, Williams possesses a formidable fastball. Yankees manager Aaron Boone likens Williams to a “Mercedes,” emphasizing his overall athleticism and dedication. “He’s just a really good athlete, in really good shape. You can tell he works hard in the winter to be in a position to physically do it. I’m certainly excited to see him. He looks really good so far to me,” Boone stated.

During Williams’ first live batting practice session as a Yankee, catcher Austin Wells was particularly impressed by the Airbender. “I think it’s just the way he doesn’t change his arm speed and just the way that it moves. There’s not many pitches that move like that pitch,” Wells said. “It was cool getting to be behind the plate for a guy who has an anomaly pitch. I’m much more glad I was seeing it from behind the plate than at the plate.”

Official t-shirt buy here: Devin Williams The Airbender NYC Shirt