In a significant move within the New York baseball scene, reliever Devin Williams has officially signed a three-year contract worth $51 million to join the New York Mets. The announcement came Monday night, showcasing Williams’ shift from the Bronx to Queens as he seeks a fresh start with the Mets.
Following the news of his acquisition, Williams took to Instagram to address Yankees fans directly, sending a clear message: “For a bunch of people that didn’t want me back on your team, y’all are sure mad in the DMs.” This statement underscores the mixed relationship he had with fans during his tenure with the Yankees.
Williams’ time in New York was not without its challenges. After being traded from the Milwaukee Brewers in the previous offseason, he struggled to find his footing during the 2025 season. Beginning as the Yankees’ closer, he encountered a rocky start, posting an alarming 9.00 ERA in April. The struggles didn’t go unnoticed, and after a series of disappointing performances, manager Aaron Boone opted to demote him, further straining his relationship with fans who expressed their frustration through boos at Yankee Stadium.
Despite these early-season woes, Williams managed to turn his narrative around in the latter part of the season. He ended 2025 on a high note with a remarkable 13-inning scoreless streak, which included four crucial innings during the playoffs. In a surprising twist, he received a standing ovation from Yankees fans in Game 2 of the ALDS against the Blue Jays—an acknowledgment of his late-season resurgence. “It’s nice to feel appreciated sometimes,” Williams reflected after the game. “It was definitely better than what I’ve had for much of the year.”
While his final season stats included a career-worst 4.79 ERA, his performance metrics revealed potential; he was positioned in the 99th percentile for whiff rate, a testament to his deadly changeup.
As Williams transitions to the Mets, he is stepping into a crucial role aimed at strengthening a bullpen that finished 15th in ERA last season. With the potential departure of star closer Edwin Diaz in free agency, the Mets are counting on Williams to bring stability and effectiveness to their relief pitching unit as they look to bounce back in the competitive landscape of the MLB.
