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After a tumultuous season with the New York Yankees, reliever Devin Williams is reportedly headed across town.
The New York Mets signed Williams to a three-year, $51 million contract that has no opt-outs or options, according to multiple reports.
Williams, 31, had a career-worst season in his one year in the Bronx. The two-time All-Star was 4-6 with a 4.79 ERA in 67 games while striking out 90 batters and walking 25.
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New York Yankees pitcher Devin Williams (38) reacts after giving up a two-run hit in the seventh inning of Game 4 of the ALDS at Yankee Stadium in Bronx, New York, on October 8, 2025. (Brad Penner/Imagn Images)
Williams began the season as the closer but lost the role due to poor play. He eventually regained ninth inning duties only to relinquish them again. Towards the end of the season, Williams pitched well as he posted a 2.50 ERA in his final 19 games of the season.
Williams, who was acquired by the Yankees in a trade with the Milwaukee Brewers prior to the 2025 season, also became a catalyst for the Yankees changing their longstanding facial hair policy in spring training.
The veteran reliever showed up to spring training with a full beard and made it clear he wasn’t going to shave. Williams said if the policy was still in place when he became a free agent, it would affect his decision to return to the Yankees.
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New York Yankees pitcher Devin Williams delivers against the Toronto Blue Jays during the seventh inning of Game 3 of baseball’s American League Division Series, Oct. 7, 2025, in New York. (Yuki Iwamura/AP Photo, File)
But after the season, Williams expressed interest in returning to the team despite a career-worst year.
“At first it was a challenge, but I’ve grown to love being here,” the reliever said in October after a 5-2 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays in Game 4 of their ALDS. “I love this city. I love taking the train to the field every day. Yes, I really enjoyed my experience here.”
The Mets’ reported signing of Williams gives them insurance if Edwin Diaz decides to leave in free agency. Diaz has been the team’s closer since 2019, but opted out of his contract after a stellar season in 2025.
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New York Yankees relief pitcher Devin Williams (38) delivers a pitch during the tenth inning against the Houston Astros at Yankee Stadium. (Vincent Carchietta-Imagn photos)
Diaz had a 1.63 ERA and 28 saves in 62 games last season and is expected to receive a big contract in free agency. If Diaz leaves, the Mets know Williams can capably fill the role, as he recorded a 1.83 ERA and 68 saves across six seasons with the Brewers.
Should Diaz return, Williams could slide into the eighth inning and give the Mets a strong combination in the back end of the bullpen.
