Devin Williams gave up one of the biggest home runs in Mets history last October. Now, he’s joining the Mets with the hope of helping them get to October.
The Mets are in agreement with the right-handed closer on a three-year, $45 million contract, the Daily News has confirmed. The contract contains deferrals and a $6 million bonus, with no opt-outs. This makes Williams a centerpiece of the bullpen for the foreseeable future.
This move reunites Williams with Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns, who previously held the same position with the Milwaukee Brewers. Since Stearns was installed two years ago, he has brought over some notable former Yankees, including right-handed starters Luis Severino and Clay Holmes, and manager Carlos Mendoza, a former bench coach in the Bronx.
Williams was a two-time All-Star and won NL Rookie of the Year in Milwaukee, going 27-10 with a 1.83 ERA and 68 saves over more than five seasons. His final appearance with the Brewers came in Game 3 of the NL Wild Card series against the Mets in 2024. Pete Alonso hit a go-ahead three-run homer in the ninth inning off of his former World Baseball Classic teammate. The Mets went on to win, eliminating the Brewers.
Milwaukee traded Williams to the Yankees last winter for Nestor Cortes, Caleb Durban and cash considerations. He posted his worst season in the Bronx, recording a 4.79 ERA with 18 saves. Twice removed from the closer role, the Yankees acquired two other closers at the trade deadline, David Bednar and Camilo Doval.
However, his year in New York is believed to have been somewhat of an aberration. Williams, 31, is still viewed as an elite closer with elite stuff, most notably, the “airbender” changeup he uses for strikeouts. Williams had a strong start to the season before struggling over the summer, before posting a 2.50 ERA over his final 18 appearances in the regular season. He tossed nine scoreless innings to end the season, then held the Boston Red Sox scoreless in four postseason appearances.
Closer Edwin Diaz remains on the free agent market. If the Mets can’t re-sign Diaz, then Williams gives them a Plan B. Should the Mets bring him back, they could use Williams in a setup role.
The Mets have struggled to find a consistent setup man for Diaz over the last few years. They traded for St. Louis Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley, but the right-hander didn’t work out in Queens, Helsley gave up 16 earned runs over 20 innings (7.20 ERA) in 22 games.
Over the weekend, Helsley signed a two-year contract with the Baltimore Orioles for $28 million.
https://www.nydailynews.com/2025/12/01/mets-devin-williams-agree-on-three-year-deal-reports/
