Mets Land Devin Williams: Is This the Game-Changing Move for Their Bullpen?

Here’s a twist on the latest shake-up in the Mets bullpen that’s got folks buzzing – Devin Williams, the free-agent fireballer, is set to ink a deal with the New York Mets. Now, I gotta tell you, this scoop came from someone close to the action, whispering on the condition of staying off the record, ‘cause, you know, the papers aren’t signed just yet—physicals still pending and whatnot. Reports are swirling about a three-year pact, which, let’s be honest, could be a game-changer for the Mets’ relief core.

Williams, fresh off a rollercoaster ride across town with the Yankees, where his numbers dipped to a career low, is looking to bounce back. We’re talking a two-time All-Star, a couple of Reliever of the Year trophies from his Brewers days — a team helmed by none other than Mets’ baseball czar David Stearns back then — and the guy who snagged the 2020 NL Rookie of the Year title. Remember, Milwaukee flipped him to the Yankees just last off-season in exchange for Nestor Cortes and Caleb Durbin. Now, he’s circling back to the Queens squad, possibly stepping into Edwin Díaz’s cleats or buttressing a revamped bullpen.

And here’s a kicker – he’s the guy who yielded that pivotal homer to Pete Alonso during the 2024 NL Wild Card that nudged the Mets ahead and ultimately sealed the deal in that series. Williams’ secret weapon? A wicked changeup dubbed “The Airbender” that’s got batters scratching their heads. Last year’s Yankees tenure saw him strike out 90, walk 25 over 62 innings – not shabby, even if the ERA had a hiccup. After the postseason, Williams hinted at wanting to stick with the Yankees. But here we are, Mets-bound, and perhaps ready for a fresh start in a city he already knows.

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NEW YORK — Free agent reliever Devin Williams has agreed to a contract with the New York Mets, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press on Monday night.

The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the deal was pending a physical and had not been announced.

Multiple media reports indicated the sides agreed to a three-year contract.

Williams spent last season across town with the New York Yankees, going 4-6 with a career-worst 4.79 ERA and 18 saves in 22 chances. He lost the closer’s job, regained it and then lost it again before finishing the year with four scoreless outings during the American League playoffs.

The 31-year-old right-hander is a two-time All-Star who twice won the Trevor Hoffman NL Reliever of the Year Award with the Milwaukee Brewers while Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns was running that team. Williams also was voted the 2020 NL Rookie of the Year.

Milwaukee traded Williams to the Yankees for pitcher Nestor Cortes and infielder Caleb Durbin last December.

With the Mets, Williams could replace free agent closer Edwin Díaz or complement him in a rebuilt bullpen.

Williams was pitching for the Brewers when he gave up a go-ahead homer to Mets slugger Pete Alonso in the deciding Game 3 of their 2024 NL Wild Card Series. The three-run shot put New York ahead in the ninth inning, and the Mets won the series.

Known for a changeup so deceptive it’s called The Airbender, Williams struck out 90 batters and walked 25 in 62 innings over 67 appearances during his lone season in pinstripes. He made $8.6 million in 2025.

After the Yankees were eliminated from the postseason, Williams said he was open to re-signing with the team.

“At first it was a challenge, but I’ve grown to love being here,” the reliever said in October following a 5-2 loss to Toronto in Game 4 of their AL Division Series. “I love this city. I love taking the train to the field every day. Yeah, I really enjoyed my experience here.”