Mets Bullpen Boost: Devin Williams Prepares for Closer or Setup Role
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New York Mets reliever Devin Williams is ready to adapt to either a closer or setup role after finalizing a $51 million, three-year contract with the team. The 31-year-old right-hander, who was a key component of the Mets' bullpen in the past, has a chance to reunite with star closer Edwin Díaz, a free agent who went 6-3 with a 1.63 ERA and 28 saves this year. Williams' flexibility is a plus for the Mets, who are looking to stabilize their bullpen after a tumultuous 2025 season. The right-hander, who has 144 saves in six seasons with the Mets, is working on new pitches, including a cutter and a 'gyro slider', to complement his fastball and changeup. While Williams' exact role with the Mets is still uncertain, he's focused on being prepared for whatever comes next. 'Just being prepared mentally and physically,' he said. 'If you're going in before the ninth inning, you just need to be ready earlier. I don't think that really changes your mindset at all.' Williams joins a Mets bullpen that's in flux behind Díaz, who is a free agent. Left-handers Brooks Raley, A.J. Minter, and Richard Lovelady, as well as right-hander Huascar Brazobán, are all under contract, but none of them spent the entire 2025 season with the Mets. 'More good arms is always a good thing,' Williams said, expressing his enthusiasm for the Mets' bullpen. 'They're a team that wants to win, and I'd love to be a part of that.' Williams, a two-time All-Star, was traded from the Milwaukee Brewers to the New York Yankees last December and spent the 2025 season with the team. He's been open to re-signing with the Yankees, but the Mets' offer was too enticing to pass up. The 31-year-old reliever becomes the latest member of the Mets brought over from the Yankees organization by owner Steve Cohen and president of baseball operations David Stearns. Williams is expected to help stabilize the Mets' bullpen and contribute to the team's goal of winning a championship.
