The New York Mets have signed two-time All-Star reliever Devin Williams to a three-year, $51 million contract. The Athletic and ESPN first reported the deal, which includes a $6 million signing bonus spread across the contract and contains no options or opt-outs.
Yahoo Sports Russell Dorsey wrote on X: “free-agent reliever Devin Williams and the New York Mets are in agreement on a three-year deal, source confirms to @YahooSports … Williams had plenty of interest this winter as teams believed his underlying numbers were more indicative of who he is than his 2025 ERA showed. Now gets over $50 million to be, at the very least, an elite high-leverage arm w/ possibility of closing if Edwin Díaz doesn’t return.”
Williams, who turns 31 this winter, arrives after a turbulent lone season with the New York Yankees, who acquired him from Milwaukee in last year’s blockbuster trade for Nestor Cortes and National League Rookie of the Year finalist Caleb Durbin. Williams posted a career-worst 4.79 ERA over 67 outings, but also collected 18 saves in 22 chances and delivered four scoreless postseason appearances.
Before his stint in the Bronx, Williams spent six standout seasons with the Brewers, emerging as one of baseball’s dominant late-inning pitchers. He won the 2020 National League Rookie of the Year after a 0.33 ERA in a shortened campaign, earned two All-Star selections, and logged 68 career saves with a 1.83 ERA during his Milwaukee tenure. First as Josh Hader’s setup man and later as his successor, Williams thrived with his signature changeup — a pitch so unusual it became known as “The Airbender.”
With the Mets, the question now is how Williams will be deployed. His role hinges on whether the club brings back free-agent closer Edwin Díaz, who opted out of his contract last month and remains one of the most sought-after relievers on the market. Williams also reunites with Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns, who oversaw his early development during their shared years in Milwaukee.
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