Mets Secure Devin Williams in $51 Million Deal, Eye Edwin DÃaz Reunion
Table of Contents
The New York Mets have aggressively bolstered their bullpen, reportedly agreeing to a three-year, $45 million contract with free-agent reliever Devin Williams, with a $6 million signing bonus bringing the total guarantee to $51 million, pending official confirmation. The move signals a clear intent to strengthen the team’s late-game options under new manager Carlos Mendoza and pitching coach Josh Miller.
Stearns, known for prioritizing high-velocity pitching in his bullpen construction, has landed one of the sport’s most intriguing arms. While the deal has yet to be formally announced by the team, multiple sources confirm the agreement was reached on Monday.
A Cross-Town Acquisition
Williams arrives in Queens after spending the 2025 season with the New York Yankees, following a mid-season trade from the Milwaukee Brewers. The acquisition brings a potentially elite reliever from a division rival, promptly upgrading the Mets’ options at the back end of games.
DÃaz Remains a Priority
Notably,the Mets’ pursuit of williams doesn’t preclude a potential reunion with incumbent closer Edwin DÃaz. Sources indicate the team remains interested in re-signing DÃaz, even after securing Williams’ services. One source revealed that Williams is “cozy serving in a setup role” should the Mets successfully bring back DÃaz.
Value Beyond the ERA
Williams’ 2025 season, on the surface, appeared to be his least effective to date. In 67 appearances, the right-hander posted a 4.79 ERA. However, a deeper dive into his statistics reveals a narrative of misfortune.His FIP (Fielding Independent Pitching) was a considerably lower 2.68, and his expected ERA stood at 3.04, suggesting his performance was hampered by factors outside of his control. His hard-hit rate,while a career high,remained at a manageable 35.7%.
the “Airbender” and a Defining Moment
Central to Williams’ success is his signature pitch, a devastating “airbender” changeup. while not as dominant in 2025 as in previous seasons – opponents hit .194 against it with a 37.3% whiff rate – it remains a key weapon. The pitch gained notoriety in 2024 when Pete Alonso famously hit a go-ahead, three-run home run off it in Game 3 of the Wild Card Series, a moment that reportedly impacted Williams’ confidence. He has struggled to replicate his previous form since that pivotal at-bat.
Pitch Mix and Recent Performance
Williams primarily relies on a two-pitch arsenal: a mid-90s four-seam fastball and the aforementioned changeup. He favors the changeup, utilizing it 52.4% of the time compared to 47.4% for the fastball – a trend consistent throughout his career. His late-season performance offered encouraging signs, as he posted a nine-inning scoreless streak over his final nine regular season appearances, walking two and striking out 12. He continued his strong finish into the postseason, throwing four scoreless frames in four games for the Yankees.
Durability Concerns and Career Trajectory
Throughout his seven-year Major League career, Williams has generally been a durable pitcher, with the exception of the 2024 season.He missed significant time due to stress fractures in his back, but demonstrated his effectiveness upon his return, posting a 1.25 ERA and a remarkable 43.2% strikeout rate in 22 appearances with Milwaukee after debuting on July 28.
the Future in Flushing
The ultimate impact of Williams’ arrival in Queens hinges on his role within the bullpen.if the Mets can successfully re-sign DÃaz, they would possess one of the most formidable late-inning duos in baseball. DÃaz, a free agent for the frist time in his career, has expressed mutual interest in returning, though he recently assessed the chances of a reunion at “50-50,” seeking a multi-year contract on the open market. The coming weeks will determine whether the Mets can solidify their bullpen into a true strength, setting the stage for a competitive 2026 season.
