The light-bulb moment that helped make Devin Williams¡¯ changeup a devasting offering with an elite nickname to match came during a Brewers Spring Training intrasquad at-bat in 2019. Trent Grisham told his teammate that he could clearly see the spin of the pitch once delivered.

Necessary changes were made, with Williams flipping from a two-seam grip to four, including a pronation that makes it mimic the motion of a screwball. Williams¡¯ career would never be the same; the ¡°Airbender¡± had been born.

¡°That became my out pitch, my go-to,¡± Williams said on Tuesday. ¡°I was still throwing it 88, 89 miles an hour. And then during Covid [in 2020], I was doing live ABs back at home. I started to realize, if I spun it more, if I threw it slower, it got way better movement and was a much better pitch.¡±

Williams said he can¡¯t remember ever discussing that interaction with Grisham, but he offered this belatedly on Tuesday: ¡°Thanks, Trent.¡±

The ¡°Airbender¡± and the rest of Williams¡¯ standout arsenal will be on display this coming season in the Bronx, after the Yankees acquired the right-handed closer from the Brewers late last week in exchange for left-hander Nestor Cortes, infielder Caleb Durbin and cash considerations.

A trade did not come as a surprise to Williams, a two-time All-Star and two-time National League Reliever of the Year Award winner whose 1.66 ERA since the beginning of the 2022 season ranks best among big league relievers. He¡¯d been reading media reports that suggested he might be dealt to the Dodgers.

While we was preparing for a workout in West Palm Beach, Fla., his phone buzzed: There had indeed been a deal, but the Yankees had swooped in with the winning offer.

¡°There was a bit of shock, but it¡¯s a tremendous honor to be able to play for this organization,¡± Williams said. ¡°There¡¯s no bigger team in baseball, so I¡¯m very happy to be here.¡±

? What Williams trade means for Yanks, Crew & bullpen market

Williams, who said that he has already received a welcoming text message from captain Aaron Judge and others, projects to upgrade a Yankees bullpen that has seen some departures since the end of the World Series.

Clay Holmes departed for an opportunity with the Mets, while Tim Hill and Tommy Kahnle remain free agents. Williams, who was 1-0 with 14 saves and a 1.25 ERA in 22 appearances for Milwaukee last season, is expected to replace Luke Weaver as the closer.

¡°It seems like there¡¯s a lot of talent,¡± Williams said. ¡°I watched Weaver a lot in the playoffs. He¡¯s got some special stuff. I think [Jake] Cousins is really good as well; just got an elite slider. To be honest with you, I¡¯m not really too familiar with the other guys in the bullpen, but I¡¯ll be looking forward to getting to watch those guys.¡±

Last season had some bumps for Williams, who missed the Brewers¡¯ first 104 games with a back stress fracture, then surrendered Pete Alonso¡¯s memorable three-run homer in the deciding Game 3 of the National League Wild Card Series against the Mets.

¡°I haven¡¯t had the most success in the postseason thus far, but at the same time, it¡¯s been [2 1/3] innings,¡± Williams said. ¡°I haven¡¯t really had that much opportunity. We¡¯re all aware of how things turned out this past year. Obviously I wish things turned out differently, but I¡¯ll put myself in that situation every time. I¡¯ll never shy away from that moment. I want the ball.¡±

After six years with the Brewers (2019-24) in which he has posted 68 saves with a 1.83 ERA and .157/.266/.247 opponent slash line across 241 appearances, Williams said that he is looking forward to playing in New York.

Following this past season, Williams said that he took a 10-day vacation to the Big Apple, listing attractions like the Museum of Modern Art, the American Museum of Natural History and the Brooklyn Museum.

¡°Ten days isn¡¯t really enough to do all the things in New York City,¡± Williams said.

He¡¯ll have more time in the months to come, and potentially longer. A free agent after this season, Williams said that he could be open to discussing a contract extension with the Yankees.

¡°If it¡¯s right for both sides, that¡¯s definitely always an option,¡± Williams said.