Sources: Mets Agree to 3-Year, $51 Million Deal with Devin Williams

The New York Mets have secured reliever Devin Williams with a three-year contract worth $51 million, according to league sources cited by ESPN. This deal serves as a strategic move to strengthen the Mets’ bullpen and provide insurance if All-Star closer Edwin Diaz departs during free agency.

The contract, finalized without player or team opt-outs, includes a $6 million signing bonus spread across three seasons. Williams’ exact role in the bullpen—either as a setup man or closer—will depend largely on the Mets’ negotiations to re-sign Diaz, who opted out last month and remains a top free-agent target.

Williams, 31, arrives in Queens after a challenging season with the New York Yankees. Despite registering a career-high 4.79 ERA over 67 appearances, advanced metrics demonstrated that his performance was stronger than traditional statistics indicated. His 2.68 FIP and a .195 expected batting average against highlight his underlying effectiveness.

Before joining the Yankees, Williams built a reputation as a premier bullpen arm with the Milwaukee Brewers. After winning the National League Rookie of the Year Award with a remarkable 0.33 ERA in 22 outings, he later compiled a stellar 1.66 ERA over three seasons, accumulating 65 saves. Williams earned two All-Star selections during that period.

Known for an unorthodox pitching style, Williams relies on an elite change-up dubbed “The Airbender,” which compensates for his below-average fastball velocity. This unique pitch has become his signature weapon and a key factor in his success.

The move reunites Williams with Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns, who previously oversaw his development with the Brewers. Sources indicate that although the Mets added Williams to shore up their bullpen, they remain keen on bringing Diaz back to maintain a dominant late-inning staff.

Williams’ signing reflects New York’s commitment to bolstering their pitching depth this offseason. His veteran presence and distinctive pitching arsenal will be pivotal as the Mets aim to contend in the highly competitive National League East.