Devin Williams Heads to Queens: Mets Land Former Yankees Reliever on Big-Money Deal
The Mets just made another loud move in what's becoming a familiar offseason script: sign a former Yankee, hand him a big contract, and hope the payoff is worth the price. This time, it’s Devin Williams-yes, that Devin Williams-inking a multi-year deal that plants him firmly in the back end of the Mets' bullpen for the foreseeable future.
Let’s rewind for a moment. Just over a year ago, Williams was on the wrong end of a Pete Alonso moonshot that felt like a turning point-both for the Mets and for Williams himself.
That swing, a thunderclap off the bat of a franchise cornerstone, seemed to rattle the Brewers’ closer to his core. Fast forward a few months and Williams was wearing Yankee pinstripes, trying to find his footing again in a city that doesn’t exactly do patience.
To the Yankees’ credit, they stuck with him. The postseason hangover was real, but so was the work Williams put in to get back to being the guy with the devastating changeup-nicknamed the “Airbender” for good reason.
By the end of the season, he was once again a trusted arm. And now, the Mets are betting big that he’s back for good.
The Deal: No Wiggle Room, Just Big Expectations
Three years. North of $50 million.
No opt-outs. No team options.
This isn’t a “prove-it” deal. This is a “we believe you’re elite” contract.
And in New York-whether it's the Bronx or Queens-that belief comes with pressure.
Williams joins a growing list of ex-Yankees who’ve made the trip across town to Steve Cohen’s Mets, including Juan Soto, Clay Holmes, Frankie Montas, and Luis Severino. It’s a clear strategy: grab proven talent, even if it comes with some baggage, and trust that the upside outweighs the risk.
But here’s the real question: is Williams walking into the closer role, or is he Plan B behind Edwin Díaz? That’s still up in the air.
If Díaz returns, the Mets could be looking at one of the most formidable late-game duos in baseball. If not, Williams likely gets the ninth inning-and all the spotlight that comes with it.
Welcome to New York (Again)
Let’s be clear: just because the uniform is different doesn’t mean the expectations are. Mets fans, like their Yankee counterparts, don’t deal well with blown saves or long slumps.
That changeup that broke bats and hearts in October 2024? It’ll need to keep doing exactly that-because New York crowds have long memories and short fuses.
There’s also the matter of Cohen’s spending. Is it sustainable to keep dropping $15 million-plus per year on multiple high-leverage relievers?
Maybe not in theory. But in practice, if the Mets keep writing checks and chasing wins, it’s hard to argue with the approach-especially if it ends up shortening games with a lockdown bullpen.
Another Bronx Departure, Another Bet on Upside
Williams’ 2025 season was a roller coaster, no doubt. But by September, he’d earned back the trust of a fanbase that had once wanted him gone.
Now, he’s cashing in on that late-season resurgence. Whether that trust translates across the East River remains to be seen.
But one thing is clear: this isn’t a reclamation project. The Mets are paying for the version of Devin Williams that dominated hitters with a pitch that doesn’t seem real. They’re paying for the guy who can end games, not just survive them.
And in a city that demands results, that belief better be well-placed.
What’s Next?
If the Mets do bring back Díaz, they’ll be paying top dollar for two potential closers. That’s a luxury most teams wouldn’t even consider.
But with Cohen’s wallet and win-now mindset, it’s not out of the question. The only thing more surprising than how many ex-Yankees are now Mets is the possibility that this bullpen-once a glaring weakness-could become a real strength.
So, no, it wasn’t the Dodgers. But if it wasn’t going to be L.A., it had to be New York. And for Devin Williams, it’s time to show that the Airbender still has plenty of magic left-this time in Queens.