The New York Mets made one of the biggest splashes of the MLB offseason so far, locking down two-time Reliever of the Year Devin Williams on a three-year deal reportedly worth around $50 million. And while that move alone would’ve been enough to shake up the bullpen landscape, it might just be the opening act of a much bolder plan.
According to MLB insider J.P. Morosi, the Mets aren’t necessarily done.
In fact, they may be eyeing an even more formidable bullpen by attempting to bring back Edwin Díaz alongside Williams. That’s right - the Mets could be building a two-headed monster in the late innings.
Let’s break this down.
Williams to Queens: A Calculated Risk with Familiar Ties
Devin Williams didn’t exactly thrive in his lone season with the Yankees. The bright lights and constant pressure of the Bronx proved to be a tough adjustment. But the Mets are betting big on a bounce-back - and there’s reason to believe it’s a smart gamble.
For starters, Williams' underlying numbers tell a story that’s far more optimistic than his surface-level struggles. His Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP) in 2025 was nearly identical to what he posted in 2023, when he was an All-Star. That’s a strong indicator that his stuff is still elite, even if the results didn’t always follow.
Then there’s the David Stearns factor. The Mets’ president of baseball operations worked with Williams during their time together in Milwaukee.
That connection likely played a big role in bringing the right-hander across town. Familiarity, trust, and a shared history of success can go a long way in a high-stakes move like this.
What About Edwin Díaz?
Now here’s where things get really interesting. Even after adding Williams, the Mets haven’t closed the door on re-signing Edwin Díaz - and if they pull it off, it would give them arguably the most dominant back-end bullpen duo in the league.
Díaz, who originally came to New York via trade ahead of the 2019 season, opted out of his five-year, $102 million deal following a stellar 2025 campaign. In 66.1 innings, he posted a 1.63 ERA, a 0.874 WHIP, and locked down 28 saves - good enough to earn him his third Reliever of the Year award. That kind of production puts him at the top of the free-agent relief class, and it’s no surprise he decided to test the market.
But the Mets aren’t shying away from the price tag. According to Morosi, the front office is exploring the possibility of pairing Díaz with Williams in the same bullpen - a move that would send a clear message to the rest of the National League: the Mets are going all-in on late-game dominance.
Pete Fairbanks in the Mix
While the Mets are making headlines, another name is starting to generate buzz on the reliever market: Pete Fairbanks.
Fairbanks, who has spent the bulk of his career with the Tampa Bay Rays after being traded from Texas during his rookie year, is coming off a strong 2025 season. He notched a career-high 27 saves and posted a 2.83 ERA, solidifying his place among the top-tier bullpen arms available this winter.
Morosi mentioned both the Miami Marlins and Detroit Tigers as teams with interest in Fairbanks. Given the recent contracts handed out to other top relievers - including Williams and Ryan Helsley - Fairbanks could be looking at a deal in the $15 million per year range.
The Bullpen Arms Race Is On
What we’re seeing here is a clear trend: teams are investing heavily in elite bullpen arms, and the Mets are leading the charge. If they manage to land both Williams and Díaz, they’ll have two closers with devastating stuff, playoff experience, and a combined five Reliever of the Year awards anchoring the back end of their bullpen.
It’s a bold strategy, but one that could pay off in a big way - especially in a league where October games are often won or lost in the seventh, eighth, and ninth innings.
And with Fairbanks still on the board and other teams like the Marlins and Tigers circling, the bullpen market is far from settled. The Mets may have fired the first shot, but the arms race is just getting started.