The New York Mets have taken a significant step to strengthen their bullpen by signing former Milwaukee Brewers and New York Yankees reliever Devin Williams to a three-year contract valued at up to $50 million. This move, announced on Monday night, marks the Mets’ first major acquisition aimed at solidifying their relief pitching, an area of concern for the team.
Williams’ addition comes at a time when the Mets are still exploring options for retaining superstar closer Edwin Diaz, who remains a free agent. The 2025 season was notably challenging for Williams, who struggled during his tenure with the Yankees after being traded from Milwaukee last winter. Although he entered the season with an impressive career ERA of 1.83, he finished 2025 with a disappointing 4.79 ERA, which included four blown saves over 62 innings pitched, leading to a loss of his closer position.
While Williams may not have been the first choice for many fans, the rationale behind his signing is more strategic than it may initially appear. David Stearns, the Mets’ president of baseball operations, played a crucial role in Williams’ development during his time with the Brewers. Stearns had previously attempted to bolster the bullpen at the trade deadline by trying to acquire Ryan Helsley, a dominant closer from the St. Louis Cardinals, but the deal did not materialize successfully.
Strategic Role and Future Potential
The Mets envision Williams playing a pivotal role in their bullpen structure. Should they manage to retain Diaz, Williams is expected to function as a setup man, providing depth and reliability in the late innings. This strategic pairing could allow manager Carlos Mendoza to utilize left-handed reliever Brooks Raley more effectively, optimizing matchups against opposing hitters.
However, uncertainty looms regarding Diaz’s future with the team. If the Mets are unable to secure a deal with their star closer, Williams may find himself stepping into the primary closer role. His performance metrics from last season, though marred by inconsistency, suggest potential for a strong comeback. Williams’ expected batting average (xBA) of .195 ranked in the 96th percentile across Major League Baseball, while his 35% chase rate and 34.7% strikeout rate were in the 97th percentile.
Despite a tumultuous season, Williams showed signs of improvement as the year progressed. In his last 13 appearances, covering 13 innings, he did not allow a single run and recorded 16 strikeouts against just four walks, indicating a return to form.
The Mets’ investment in Williams reflects their commitment to building a robust bullpen capable of competing in a challenging league. As the offseason continues, the team’s decisions will be closely monitored by fans eager to see how this signing impacts the Mets’ performance in the upcoming season.
For more information on the Mets and their latest acquisitions, visit AMNY.com.
