Mets' acquisition of Devin Williams hinges on future moves, just like the Brandon Nimmo trade.

The New York Mets recent addition of Devin Williams echoes the dynamics of the Brandon Nimmo trade: much depends on the next steps taken by general manager David Stearns.

If Stearns successfully re-signs Edwin Diaz, bringing Williams on as a set-up pitcher strengthens the bullpen, creating an elite late-inning duo and highlighting Stearns focus on run prevention. However, if Williams is signed as a more cost-effective alternative to Diaz, the bullpenalready a weak point during last seasons wild-card chasecould be compromised, and Williams challenges in adjusting to New York last year gain greater significance.

According to sources, the Mets are still aiming to re-sign Diaz, though the price remains uncertain. The three-year, $45 million deal for Williams might partly serve as a safeguard against a bidding war for Diaz, allowing the team to avoid overcommitting to the closer.

There is an argument for avoiding an oversized contract for Diaz given both the unpredictability of bullpen performance and Diaz turning 32 in March. Yet, Diaz has maintained consistent dominance in recent years and remains a key piece of the Mets roster. Ultimately, Stearns next decisions will reveal whether he prioritizes cost management or is pursuing a full-scale strategy to assemble a championship-caliber pitching staff, potentially pairing Williams and Diaz in the late innings.

If Diaz signs elsewhere, questions arise about whether Stearns confidence in Williams is influenced by their past success together in Milwaukee, where Williams was one of the top relievers. Williams overcame struggles with the Yankees, including early-season difficulties, to finish strongly with nine consecutive scoreless appearances in September and four more in the postseason. Yet he also experienced high-profile postseason failures, such as giving up Pete Alonsos decisive home run in the 2024 wild-card series, raising concerns about his ability to handle pressure.

During his time with the Yankees, Williams struggled mentally with closing expectations, impacting his signature air-bender change-up that had dominated hitters in Milwaukee. Even with a strong late-season performance, uncertainty remains about how he would perform stepping into Diazs role. One MLB scout noted that expecting Williams to immediately succeed as a closer could be risky, pointing out observable signs of tension on the mound and inconsistencies in pitch execution.

The scout added that Williams appears more reliable in a set-up role, using Diaz as a stabilizing presence, rather than shouldering closing duties alone. The baseball offseason unfolds slowly, so it may take weeks before Williams role with the Mets is fully defined.

Fans are waiting anxiously for clarity. Some have questioned Stearns approach, viewing it as influenced by his small-market experience in Milwaukee. His movestrading Nimmo for Marcus Semien and signing Williamshint at ambitious offseason plans. For a truly transformative impact, the Mets would need to re-sign both Alonso and Diaz, replace Nimmo with Cody Bellinger, and reinforce the starting rotation with top-tier arms. Completing those steps would elevate Stearns reputation considerably. Until then, Mets supporters remain in suspense.

Author: Sophia Brooks