The New York Mets just took a big swing at shoring up their bullpen, signing former NL Rookie of the Year Devin Williams to a three-year, $51 million deal.
This move doesn’t rule out bringing back free-agent closer Edwin Díaz, but it sure shakes up roles and expectations in Queens heading into 2025.
Mets Land Devin Williams as High-End Bullpen Anchor
With three years and $51 million committed, the Mets have locked in an elite late-inning arm. They needed to stabilize the ninth inning after some rough patches the last few seasons, and Williams’ track record fits the bill.
A Safety Net Amid Edwin Díaz Uncertainty
Díaz opted out and wants another long-term deal, aiming for something close to his previous five-year, $102 million contract. The Mets still want him back, but Williams’ arrival changes the dynamic.
Now, the Mets don’t have to negotiate from a desperate spot. Williams has said he’s open to being a setup man if Díaz returns, but his contract and his résumé say he’s much more than a backup plan.
Williams’ Track Record: From Elite Setup Man to Dominant Closer
Williams knows what it’s like to share the back end of a bullpen with a big-name closer. That’s how he first made a name for himself.
Rookie of the Year as a Setup Man in Milwaukee
Back in 2020, Williams broke out as a setup man for Josh Hader with the Brewers. He won NL Rookie of the Year, baffling hitters with his signature Airbender changeup—honestly, one of the filthiest pitches around.
When the Brewers traded Hader in 2022, Williams slid right into the closer’s role. Over the next two seasons, he posted a 1.46 ERA and notched 50 saves, cementing himself as a top-tier reliever.
The David Stearns Connection
There’s some real familiarity here. Mets president David Stearns was the Brewers’ GM during Williams’ rise. Stearns left Milwaukee after 2023, but he clearly knows Williams’ strengths and mentality inside out.
Williams has talked about feeling at home with the Mets’ philosophy, which lines up with what he saw under Stearns in Milwaukee—data-driven, flexible, and pitching-focused. That kind of continuity matters, doesn’t it?
A Rocky Yankees Stint, Underlying Strengths
Williams’ road to the Mets ran through the Bronx. His 2024 season with the Yankees was a tough one, testing both his mechanics and his confidence.
Struggles on the Surface, Signals Beneath
He lost and regained the closer job, finishing with a 4.79 ERA—numbers that don’t exactly scream “elite.” But if you dig into the underlying stats, his stuff didn’t really go anywhere.
That mix—shaky results but strong peripherals—usually points to a pitcher who’s not far from bouncing back. The Mets are betting that with a few tweaks and familiar faces, Williams can get back to his Milwaukee form.
Expanding the Arsenal: More Than Just Fastball and Airbender
Williams has made a real effort to deepen his pitch mix. He’s always had the four-seam fastball and that ridiculous Airbender change, but he’s been working on adding more options.
New Weapons: Cutter and Gyro Slider
He’s been tinkering with a cutter and a gyro slider, hoping to give hitters even more to think about. The cutter can jam lefties and avoid barrels, while the gyro slider brings a new look for righties.
If those pitches become reliable, Williams could be a nightmare to game-plan for, especially in a division packed with power hitters.
How Williams Fits the Mets’ Bullpen Blueprint
Williams sees the Mets’ bullpen depth as a plus, not a problem. He’s talked about valuing a deep, layered relief group over relying on just one “savior” at the end.
Building a Multi-Arm Monster in the Late Innings
Williams thinks having several trusted arms for the eighth and ninth innings gives a team more flexibility and resilience during a 162-game season. If Díaz comes back, the Mets instantly turn into a nightmare matchup from the seventh inning on.
If Díaz doesn’t return, Williams becomes the anchor, and others slot in around him.
Williams brings more than just saves to a Mets club trying to reestablish itself as a contender. He offers credibility, flexibility, and a clear connection to a front office that genuinely believes in him.
Here is the source article for this story: Williams: ‘Good situation’ if he sets up for Diaz
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