The New York Mets are making it crystal clear: they plan to own the late innings in 2026. After locking in Devin Williams-one of the most dominant closers in the game-the Mets have planted their flag as a team that’s not just aiming to compete, but to suffocate opponents once the bullpen gate swings open.
With Williams anchoring the back end, the Mets now stand at a crossroads that could shape the identity of their relief corps for years to come. The key variable?
Whether or not Edwin Díaz returns to Queens.
Williams gives the Mets a high floor-he’s the kind of arm that can shorten games and erase mistakes. But the ceiling?
That depends on how they choose to build around him. The Mets have two compelling paths in front of them: double down on elite firepower by reuniting with Díaz, or spread the wealth and build a bullpen loaded with depth, versatility, and matchup nightmares.
Let’s break down both scenarios, and what they mean for a Mets team that’s clearly going all-in on bullpen dominance.
Path 1: Build the Deepest Bullpen in Baseball (No Díaz)
If the Mets decide not to bring back Edwin Díaz, they immediately free up a massive chunk of payroll-roughly $100 million over five years. That opens the door to a different kind of bullpen build: one that leans on depth, variety, and strategic matchups rather than a two-headed monster at the back end.
In this approach, the Mets could target three high-leverage arms to complement Williams: Pete Fairbanks, Tyler Rogers, and Luke Weaver. These aren’t just filler pieces-they’re proven, playoff-tested relievers who bring different looks and roles to the table.
- Pete Fairbanks brings high-octane stuff and late-inning experience. He’s the kind of reliever who can pitch in the 7th or the 9th, depending on the matchup.
- Tyler Rogers, with his submarine delivery and elite groundball rate, offers a completely different angle-literally. He’s a nightmare for right-handed hitters and a perfect change-of-pace option.
- Luke Weaver, now thriving as a reliever, adds multi-inning flexibility and power. He can bridge the gap from the starter to the late innings or step in when games go long.
Add those three to a bullpen that already includes A.J. Minter, Huascar Brazobán, Brooks Raley, and Adbert Alzolay, and you’ve got a group that’s not just deep, but built to withstand the grind of a 162-game season. This isn’t just about having arms-it’s about having answers for every situation.
Projected bullpen without Díaz:
- Devin Williams
- Pete Fairbanks
- Luke Weaver
- Tyler Rogers
- A.J.
Minter
- Huascar Brazobán
- Brooks Raley
- Adbert Alzolay
This version of the bullpen doesn’t rely on one or two stars. It’s a full-on ensemble cast, capable of matching up with any lineup, any night. And in October, that kind of depth can be just as dangerous as top-end talent.
Path 2: The Two-Headed Monster (With Díaz)
Now let’s talk about the other option-and it’s a tantalizing one. If the Mets re-sign Edwin Díaz, they instantly create what could be the most intimidating 1-2 punch at the back of a bullpen in recent memory.
Picture this: the 8th inning belongs to Devin Williams and his signature “Airbender” changeup. Then comes the 9th, with Díaz bringing 100+ mph heat and that vicious slider.
Good luck.
This setup would give the Mets a near-automatic shutdown in the final two innings. It’s the kind of late-game advantage that can demoralize opponents and change the way managers script their lineups.
But it comes at a cost-literally. Committing around $100 million to Díaz means the Mets won’t have the same flexibility to chase multiple high-end relievers.
Instead, they’d focus on complementary pieces. Tyler Rogers still makes sense here-his unique style fits into any bullpen.
But the final spots would likely go to value signings. Someone like Tyler Kinley, who ranks among the top 20 in xERA among free agents, could be a savvy addition on a more affordable deal.
Projected bullpen with Díaz:
- Edwin Díaz
- Devin Williams
- Tyler Rogers
- A.J. Minter
- Tyler Kinley
- Huascar Brazobán
- Brooks Raley
- Adbert Alzolay
This version leans heavily on star power. It’s top-loaded, but when your top two are this good, that might be all you need. The key will be finding enough reliable arms to get the ball to the 8th inning with a lead-because if they do, it’s game over.
No Wrong Answer, Just Different Weapons
What’s clear is that the Mets are committing to winning in the late innings. Whether they go with the star-heavy, two-headed closer model or the deep, matchup-driven pen, they’re building a bullpen that can carry them through October.
This isn’t just about splashy signings-it’s about strategic roster construction. The Mets are choosing between two elite bullpen builds, each with its own strengths.
One maximizes dominance at the top. The other maximizes flexibility and endurance.
Either way, the message is loud and clear: if you’re playing the Mets in 2026, you better get your runs early. Because once that bullpen door opens, the odds of a comeback start shrinking fast.