Breaking news: Top star player of yankees Williams to avoid arbitration due to ….

The Yankees reached deals with four of their five arbitration-eligible players ahead of a deadline Thursday to exchange figures, including newly acquired closer Devin Williams. The hurler agreed to an $8.6 million pact for the upcoming season, a source told MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand. The club has not confirmed any dollar amounts.

Williams earned $7 million last year with the Brewers, who dealt him to New York on Dec. 13 in exchange for left-hander Nestor Cortes and infielder Caleb Durbin. A two-time All-Star and two-time National League Reliever of the Year, Williams is eligible for free agency after 2025.

The 30-year-old Williams posted a 1.25 ERA and 14 saves in 22 games last season, after which Milwaukee declined a $10 million option. Yankees manager Aaron Boone said he anticipates Williams will handle the ninth inning, which will permit the club to shift right-hander Luke Weaver back into more of a fireman role.