Shock Move: Mets Land Former Yankees Closer Devin Williams in Surprising 3-Year Deal

The New York Mets have landed a notable bullpen asset, inking former Yankees’ closer and two-time All-Star Devin Williams to a three-year deal, a move confirmed by Yahoo Sports’ Russell Dorsey. This signing, first broken by The Athletic and ESPN, reportedly comes with a hefty guarantee topping $50 million, reflecting the club’s intent to fortify their late-game pitching. Williams, who dazzled during his six years with the Milwaukee Brewers—earning two All-Star nods and dominating with a 1.83 ERA over more than 235 innings—now shifts gears to join the Mets, following a challenging season in the Bronx. After being acquired by the Yankees in a blockbuster trade last offseason, Williams faced early struggles but finished strong, signaling the Mets are banking on his late-season resurgence as they look past veteran closer Edwin Díaz’s impending free agency. The buzz around this acquisition is palpable, as fans and analysts alike wonder if Williams can reclaim his elite, high-leverage arm status in Queens. LEARN MORE

The New York Mets have agreed to a three-year contract with former Yankees closer and two-time All-Star reliever Devin Williams, Yahoo Sports’ Russell Dorsey confirms.

The Athletic and ESPN first reported the news. Per ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the contract is worth more than $50 million in guaranteed money.

Williams, 30, was one of baseball’s best relievers during a six-year stint with the Milwaukee Brewers. He made two All-Star teams while posting a 1.83 ERA with 375 strikeouts and 112 walks in 235 2/3 innings pitched during his Brewers stint. He took over as closer in his last three seasons in Milwaukee and recorded 68 total saves.

The Yankees acquired Williams and his airbender changeup in a blockbuster trade last offseason, sending pitcher Nestor Cortes Jr., infield prospect Caleb Durbin and cash in return to Milwaukee. Williams now leaves the Yankees to join the crosstown rival Mets after a disappointing season in the Bronx.

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Williams, 31, struggled out of the gate with the Yankees and was demoted from his closing job after 10 games. His performance improved over the summer, and he regained the role later in the season, but he finished the campaign with a career-worst 4.79 ERA and 1.129 WHIP while tallying 18 saves in 62 innings pitched. He closed 29 of the 67 regular-season games in which he appeared.

Williams finished the regular season strong. He didn’t allow a run in 22 of his final 23 outings and pitched four scoreless innings in the postseason for the Yankees. The Mets will certainly be hoping that version of Williams shows up in Queens.

Williams had plenty of interest this winter as teams believed his underlying numbers were more indicative of who he is than his 2025 ERA showed.

Now gets over $50 million to be, at the very least, an elite high-leverage arm w/ possibility of closing if Edwin Díaz doesn’t return. https://t.co/IKc0HFsAwP

— Russell Dorsey (@Russ_Dorsey1) December 2, 2025

The Mets are signing Williams as veteran closer Edwin Díaz is also a free agent. A reunion between Díaz and the Mets remains possible, but the three-time All-Star, who was at his best this past season, is expected to command a lucrative contract on the open market. Williams is Yahoo Sports’ No. 27 free agent this winter. Díaz is ranked No. 11.