Williams prepared to take on either role with Mets: Closer or setting up Edwin Díaz

NEW YORK Devin Williams is ready to take on either role in the New York Mets bullpen next season, whether as the closer or as the setup man for Edwin Daz. Williams officially signed a three-year, $51 million deal with the Mets on Wednesday, embracing either scenario.

Daz, 31, is a free agent after posting a 6-3 record with a 1.63 ERA and 28 saves this past season. Over six years with New York, the right-hander accumulated 144 saves.

If he returns, our bullpens back end is going to be strong, Williams said in his first remarks since joining the team. Having more quality arms is always a benefit.

Williams emphasized that his approach will remain the same regardless of his assignment. Its about being ready mentally and physically. Pitching before the ninth inning just means you prepare earlier, but it doesnt change your mindset, he explained.

The pitcher is developing a cutter and a gyro slider to complement his fastball and well-known changeup, aiming to bring stability to a bullpen in transition behind Daz. Several relievers, including left-handers Brooks Raley, A.J. Minter, Richard Lovelady, and right-hander Huascar Brazobn, are under contract, though none spent the entire 2025 season with the team. Raley returned in June from Tommy John surgery, Minter was sidelined due to a torn left lat, and Lovelady and Brazobn had stints in Triple-A Syracuse.

Theyre a team committed to winning, Williams said. Steve Cohen is doing everything possible to field a competitive team, and Im excited to contribute.

Last season, Williams played for the New York Yankees, recording a 4-6 record with a 4.79 ERA and 18 saves in 22 opportunities. He experienced ups and downs as a closer but finished the year strong with four scoreless playoff appearances. Previously traded from the Milwaukee Brewerswhere he earned 2020 NL Rookie of the Year honors and twice won the Trevor Hoffman NL Reliever of the YearWilliams noted the adjustment to the Yankees was challenging but ultimately manageable.

Its familiar now, he said. I know what it takes to get ready, and Im settled in with life off the field.

Over seven major league seasons, Williams has a 31-16 record, a 2.45 ERA, and 86 saves in 308 relief appearances, alongside 465 strikeouts and 137 walks over 297 2/3 innings. He joins a growing list of players brought to the Mets from the Yankees organization by Cohen and Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns, including Juan Soto, Clay Holmes, Luis Torrens, and manager Carlos Mendoza.

Under his contract, Williams receives a $6 million signing bonus in three equal payments each April 1 from 2026 to 2028, plus annual salaries of $15 million, with $5 million deferred each year.

Author: Maya Henderson