The New York Mets are aiming to succeed where their city rivals, the Yankees, could not by signing reliever Devin Williams to a major three-year contract. The deal, worth a reported $45 million with potential bonuses, sees the two-time All-Star make the short move from the Bronx to Queens after a challenging 2025 season.
A Lucrative Deal with Deferred Payments
As first reported by The Athletic's Will Sammon, the Mets and Williams have agreed to a three-year, $45 million contract. The agreement includes the potential for an additional $6 million in performance-related bonuses and features $15 million in deferred payments, according to multiple sources. This significant investment marks a major gamble by the Mets' front office on a pitcher seeking to recapture his elite form.
From Milwaukee Star to Bronx Struggles
Williams arrived at the Yankees in a high-profile off-season trade from the Milwaukee Brewers, where he had built a formidable reputation. In Milwaukee, the St. Louis native was one of the National League's most electric pitchers, frustrating batters with a devastating circle changeup that mimicked a screwball. He posted a stellar 1.83 ERA over his first six MLB seasons, earning NL Rookie of the Year honours and being named NL Reliever of the Year twice.
However, his 2025 campaign in the Bronx was a stark contrast. Williams struggled mightily, recording a career-worst 4.79 ERA and ultimately losing his role as the team's closer. His departure was likely facilitated by the Yankees' acquisition of hard-throwing closer Camilo Doval from the San Francisco Giants at the trade deadline.
Implications for the Mets and Edwin Diaz
Williams' arrival at Citi Field creates an intriguing situation for the Mets' current closer, Edwin Diaz. Diaz is coming off an excellent 2025 season with a 1.63 ERA, but his future with the team has been uncertain after he opted out of his contract. Diaz previously stated there was only a 50-50 chance he would return to Queens.
This move marks the second consecutive year the Mets have swooped for a major star who was recently acquired by the Yankees. Last offseason, they secured slugger Juan Soto on a monumental 15-year, $765 million deal after his brief stint in the Bronx.
The Mets will be hoping Williams can rediscover the form that made him a premier reliever in Milwaukee, providing them with a powerful late-inning option as they look to build a competitive roster for the 2026 season and beyond.
