New York, December 02, 2025
Devin Williams has signed a three-year, $51 million contract with the New York Mets, becoming a key offseason addition aimed at bolstering the bullpen as insurance for potential changes in the closer role following Edwin Diaz’s contract opt-out after the 2025 season.
Williams’ Signing and Mets’ Strategy
The Mets secured Devin Williams on a guaranteed three-year deal worth $51 million, with no opt-outs or options included. This agreement positions Williams as a potential closer or top-tier reliever for the team. The move largely serves as insurance for Edwin Diaz, the Mets’ standout closer who opted out after a dominant 2025 season marked by a 1.63 ERA and 28 saves. Diaz is expected to command north of $100 million in free agency, and Williams’ presence provides the Mets flexibility amid uncertainty about Diaz’s return.
David Stearns, Mets President, brought Williams aboard leveraging their previous working relationship in Milwaukee. Stearns’ familiarity with Williams and the Mets’ robust pitching development resources create a conducive environment for Williams to rebound from recent struggles, potentially maximizing his impact late in games.
Williams’ 2025 Performance and Career Background
Williams comes off a difficult 2025 season with the New York Yankees, registering a career-worst 4.79 ERA across 67 appearances. While he struck out 90 batters, his control issues surfaced with 25 walks and a 4-6 win-loss record. During the season, Williams oscillated in and out of the closer role but finished strong with a 2.50 ERA over his final 19 games.
Despite his recent downturn, Williams boasts a strong career résumé from his time with the Milwaukee Brewers, where over six seasons he posted a 1.83 ERA and recorded 68 saves. This history of elite performance underpins the Mets’ willingness to invest in his potential resurgence as an elite late-inning reliever.
Market Context and Contract Analysis
The $51 million guaranteed over three years exceeds compensation levels for recent high-profile reliever contracts such as those signed by Aroldis Chapman and Kenley Jansen. Yet, it represents approximately half the projected market value of Edwin Diaz, whose free-agent deal is expected to surpass $100 million.
This contract reflects the Mets’ balanced approach: securing a proven elite reliever at a significant but controlled cost, providing both immediate bullpen strength and long-term stabilization in case Diaz departs. Additionally, Williams himself has signaled openness to serving as a setup man if Diaz returns, suggesting strategic bullpen flexibility.
Team Offseason Grades and Implications
The Mets earned a B+ grade for the move, viewed as high-risk but potentially high-reward. The investment is substantial given Williams’ rough 2025 season, yet offset by his prior elite performance and the organizational familiarity with his skill set. The Mets’ pitching development staff is positioned to support a turnaround, enhancing the gamble’s viability.
Conversely, the Yankees received a C grade, reflecting disappointment in Williams’ underperformance and the distraction his inconsistent 2025 campaign posed. The franchise appears ready to move on, regrouping after acquiring a high-profile reliever who failed to meet expectations.
Significance in New York and Broader Trends
Williams’ transfer underscores the fluid and competitive nature of the New York baseball market, particularly within the bullpen domain. The Mets’ aggressive approach to late-inning pitching depth aims to shorten games and dominate high-leverage situations.
Moreover, the transaction exemplifies an ongoing trend of MLB teams allocating premium resources to elite relievers, even those emerging from down seasons. The value placed on reliable late-game pitching reflects its critical impact on championship contention and strategic roster construction.
As the 2026 season approaches, all eyes will be on Williams’ ability to rebound in a familiar environment and the Mets’ bullpen configuration amid Diaz’s free agency status. This high-stakes acquisition highlights the evolving dynamics of player valuation and competitive strategy in Major League Baseball.