It all started so well for the New York Mets last season, but a late-season collapse had them on the outside looking in when the playoffs rolled around.
On Monday, they made the first move to reshape this roster by signing right-handed reliever Devin Williams to a three-year, $51 million deal that includes no opt-outs or options. It’s a very bold move for a Mets team looking to bring back Edwin Diaz, who opted out of his contract in the offseason, making him the most highly coveted reliever going into free agency.
New York has an interesting scenario here, in that Williams could be used as a set-up man, or even a closer if Diaz goes elsewhere. Let’s not forget, the Mets still have a decision to make on first baseman Pete Alonso, who is a free agent.
Well, at the very least, we know the Mets will make things entertaining. Let’s take a look at the details of their recent signing of Williams.
Why Did Devin Williams Sign with the New York Mets?
Money talks! Williams signed a three-year, $51 million contract with the New York Mets. This contract has some iron-clad strongholds, including no opt-out or possible options to be sent down to the minors. If Edwin Diaz signs elsewhere during free agency, Williams would immediately become the top closer option; should Diaz come back to New York, the team would have one of the best set-up/closer duos in baseball.
Williams also arrives at a team with lofty expectations of making the playoffs, and possibly even the World Series. The Mets made it all the way to the NLCS two seasons ago, and they have even added Juan Soto in that time span.
Off the field, the allure of New York’s vibrant baseball scene and the prospect of playing in the biggest market. Williams was just with the New York Yankees last season, so he gets to stay here for the next three years.
It should also be remembered that Williams gave up the most detrimental home run of his career against the Mets when Pete Alonso hit a three-run homer with two outs in Game 5 of the 2024 National League Wild Card Series. That homer would put the Mets ahead 3-2, where they would win the game (and the series), and Williams’ dominance has never been the same since.
Why Did Devin Williams Leave the New York Yankees?
Williams became expendable to the Yankees this season, following the emergence of David Bednar, who was acquired via trade from the Pittsburgh Pirates at last season’s deadline and had an immediate impact. Last season, Williams had a career-worst 4.79 ERA in 67 appearances, but many experts will point to his underlying metrics as a positive sign for the Mets. Personally, I don’t see it, considering his confidence was shaken right off the bat after Opening Day last season.
As the guy who will forever be known as the one who got the Yankees to budge on their no-facial-hair policy, Williams is leaving them after only one season to go to the other side of the Big Apple.
What’s the Latest on Free-Agent Edwin Diaz?
Diaz is seeking a contract somewhere in the range of five years for $100 million, a bit more than what Williams got from the Mets.
Currently, Diaz is rumored to be going to the Toronto Blue Jays, Los Angeles Dodgers, or New York Yankees. Some long-shot dark horses include the Chicago Cubs, Boston Red Sox, and Baltimore Orioles.
And don’t rule out Diaz’s return to the Mets either. As we mentioned earlier, a 1-2 punch of Williams and Diaz would be absolute hell on opposing hitters late in games.
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