Mets announce signing of former Yankee reliever Devin Williams: 3 years, $51 million
Yankees relief pitcher Devin Williams attemps a pick-off throw to first base against the Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium on Sept. 7. Credit: Kathleen Malone-Van Dyke
The Mets Wednesday officially signed former Brewers and Yankee reliever Devin Williams to a three-year contract, the team announced. The deal is worth $51 million, a source confirmed. The righthander, who struggled in the Bronx last year, nonetheless had a strong finish to the season and has been a dominant reliever since winning rookie of the year in 2020.
Known for his deceptive “Airbender” changeup, Williams, 31, is the first piece in what is expected to be a complete bullpen overhaul. Though a closer for most of his career, Williams was relegated to the setup role last season, meaning that he can serve as an insurance policy if the Mets decide not to reunite with Edwin Diaz, or as a potential eighth-inning man in what could be a dangerous back end.
“Devin is a dynamic pitcher who will help bolster the back of the bullpen,” president of baseball operations David Stearns said in a statement. “He is an experienced arm with a proven track record pitching in high-leverage situations. We are excited to welcome Devin and his family to Queens.”
The two-time National League relief pitcher of the year compiled a 4.79 ERA in 2025 but has a career 86 saves with a 2.45 ERA in seven big league seasons. His 39.3% strikeout rate after the All-Star break last year was second among pitchers who had thrown a minimum of 25 innings.
Laura Albanese is the Mets beat writer for Newsday. She's been covering MLB since 2014 after starting at Newsday as an intern seven years earlier.
