The New York Mets just made a major move in the bullpen arms race, landing one of the top relievers on the free agent market. Devin Williams, who spent last season with the Yankees, is heading across town to Queens on a three-year, $50 million deal, according to multiple reports. It’s a big swing by the Mets as they look to fortify the back end of their bullpen-and it might just be the first domino in a high-stakes offseason battle.
Williams is no stranger to high-leverage situations, but his best work last season came in a setup role, not as the closer. That’s an important distinction, especially with the Mets still reportedly in the mix to bring back Edwin Díaz. According to insider reports, Williams is open to pitching in a non-closing role, which gives the Mets flexibility-and potentially, the most dominant one-two punch in any bullpen in baseball.
This signing comes just days after the Orioles inked Ryan Helsley to a two-year deal, another top-tier reliever who was on several teams’ radars. Notably, both Helsley and Williams were said to be targets for the Toronto Blue Jays, who now find themselves in a bit of a bind. With two top arms off the board, the Blue Jays might have to get aggressive if they want to land their preferred bullpen upgrade.
And that brings us to Edwin Díaz.
Díaz, who’s spent the last six seasons in New York, has been one of the most electric closers in the game. Over 255 appearances with the Mets, he’s posted a 2.93 ERA, notched 144 saves, and racked up 538 strikeouts in just over 328 innings.
His bWAR sits at 8.5 during that stretch-elite territory for a reliever. He’s reportedly seeking a five-year deal in the neighborhood of $102 million, and while that’s a hefty price tag, it reflects just how valuable elite late-inning arms have become in today’s game.
The Blue Jays have already met with Díaz’s representatives this offseason, and while there’s no indication yet that they’re ready to meet that asking price, they’re certainly in the conversation. And even if they don’t land him, their interest alone could drive up the cost for the Mets, who now have even more incentive to bring Díaz back and pair him with Williams.
Toronto’s need for a reliable ninth-inning option is no secret. Jeff Hoffman, their primary closer last season, gave up a league-high 15 home runs among qualified relievers-a stat that’s hard to ignore when you’re trying to close out tight games. Earlier this offseason, GM Ross Atkins acknowledged that Hoffman isn’t locked into the closer role, which only fueled speculation that the Jays are eyeing someone like Díaz to take over.
But the competition between the Mets and Blue Jays doesn’t stop at Díaz. Both teams are also reportedly in the mix for Kyle Tucker, one of the top bats available. That sets the stage for a potential bidding war on multiple fronts, where every move could shift the balance of power heading into 2026.
For the Mets, the Williams deal is a clear signal: they’re not sitting back this offseason. And for the Blue Jays, it’s go time.
If they want to land a top-tier closer-or a middle-of-the-order bat-they’re going to have to stay aggressive and be willing to push past their comfort zone. Because right now, the Mets are setting the pace.