Meet the Yankees’ Secret Weapon: The Untouchable Airbender!
The New York Yankees have bolstered their bullpen in a big way, trading for Milwaukee Brewers All-Star closer Devin Williams. Along with his elite closing ability, Williams brings the “Airbender,” a pitch so unique it has become legendary.
Unlike a traditional changeup, the Airbender defies convention. It features record-breaking spin (2,752 RPM, the highest ever for a changeup) and unprecedented horizontal movement, breaking 19.4 inches toward Williams’ arm side. To put that in perspective, the pitch breaks further than the width of home plate and moves in a way no other right-handed pitcher’s changeup does.
Williams has utilized this outlier pitch to dominate since his 2020 breakout. Over his career, he’s thrown the Airbender 2,299 times, resulting in a .139 batting average against, just six home runs allowed, and a staggering 546 swings-and-misses. Its unique movement has drawn comparisons to a “lefty slider” thrown by a right-handed pitcher, leaving hitters baffled.
Pairing the Airbender with a fastball that reaches 97–98 mph has made Williams one of the most effective closers in MLB. Since 2020, his changeup ranks as one of the most valuable pitches in baseball on a per-throw basis, alongside offerings from elite pitchers like Edwin Díaz and Brusdar Graterol.
This move signals the Yankees’ commitment to fortifying their bullpen with one of baseball’s best weapons, as Williams joins a legacy that includes Mariano Rivera’s iconic cutter. Yankees fans can now look forward to seeing the Airbender baffle opponents in high-leverage moments at Yank ee Stadium.
