FLUSHING, NY — When the 2025 season came to an end for Devin Williams and the Yankees after falling in Game 4 of the American League Division Series to the Blue Jays, the 31-year-old right-handed reliever stated how he had grown to love pitching in New York.
“At first, it was a challenge, but I’ve grown to love being here. I love the city. I love taking the train to the field everyday. I really enjoyed my experience here.”
Despite a rough start to his time in New York during 2025, Devin Williams stated on several occasions how he’s grown to love the city and all it has to offer on and off the mound – Image Credit: Bill Menzel/Latino Sports
For three more years from 2026-2028, Williams will have his opportunity to experience the New York lifestyle on and off the mound, but in another borough, as several reports surfaced Monday night of the two-time All-Star and Mets agreeing to a three-year contract that guaranteed more than $50 million.
The deal, which is the first major signing out of Queens this offseason, included deferred money, no opt-outs and also no options.
Williams, a two-time Trevor Hoffman National League Reliever of the Year Award winner with the Milwaukee Brewers, had a rough 2025 campaign in the Bronx as a Yankee overall, his first in the American League, posting a 4.79 ERA, the highest-mark in his seven-year MLB career.
Devin Williams was dealt to the Yankees last offseason in a trade with the Brewers which involved LHP Nestor Cortes, INF Caleb Durbin and cash considerations heading to Milwaukee – Image Credit: Bill Menzel/Latino Sports
However, he now returns back to the NL, a league he spent his first six MLB seasons in, and also a league where he earned the label as one of the top relievers in the game.
- 2020-2024 with Milwaukee (NL—season average): 1.70 ERA, 72 strikeouts, 14 saves, and a 0.977 WHIP across 46 games
- 2025 with Yankees (AL): 4.79 ERA, 90 strikeouts, 18 saves, and a 1.129 WHIP across 67 games
- Stats excluding Williams’ first season in 2019 where he appeared in only 13 games then followed up in 2020, winning the NL Rookie of the Year Award
Despite inter-league matchups occurring more year on year compared to just a half decade ago, this raises the question of how much of an adjustment Williams was forced to go through in 2025 by switching leagues as well as how the Mets can get “The Airbender” back to his vintage form on the bump.
Díaz Still In The Mix In Queens?
Looking forward, according to a number of reports, the Mets are still pursuing right-handed closer Edwin Díaz, a two-time LatinoMVP Reliever of the Year, who is available on the free agent market, and banking on a major payday.
Based on several reports, the Mets are still pursing to re-sign Edwin Díaz after their move of signing Devin Williams to a three-year deal on Monday night – Image Credit: Bill Menzel/Latino Sports
The 31-year-old of Naguabo, Puerto Rico, signing a five-year/$102 million contract with the Mets in November of 2022, opted out of his deal last month following an All-Star 2025 season of pitching to a 1.63 ERA with 98 strikeouts and 28 saves.
If President of Baseball Operations, David Stearns, and the Mets’ front office were able to re-sign Díaz and pair him with Williams as a one-two punch in late game situations, the orange and blue would be looking at a dominant and stabilized bullpen when factoring in left-handers Brooks Raley and AJ Minter, among others, in the fold as well.
On the other side, in a scenario where Díaz was to sign elsewhere, the Mets at least have provided themselves with multiple options out of the ‘pen with additional moves on the pitching front still expected to be made.
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