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The New York Mets made headlines recently by signing Devin Williams, a free-agent reliever, to a three-year deal, as reported by various sources including MLB.com. This strategic move aims to bolster the Mets’ bullpen as they gear up for the 2026 season. While the organization has yet to officially confirm the transaction, insiders indicate that no options or opt-outs are included in the contract. Williams previously pitched for the rival New York Yankees, making this signing particularly noteworthy for fans on both sides.
Devin Williams: Challenging Season Behind Him
Last season marked a downturn for Williams, who struggled with a 4.79 ERA over 67 appearances in 2025. This marked a significant shift for a player who had previously established himself as a dominant force, having entered that season with a career ERA of 1.83 during his tenure with the Milwaukee Brewers. However, a closer look at his metrics reveals a complicated picture. His Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP) stood at 2.68, suggesting that his high ERA may not fully reflect his capabilities.
Bad Luck or Underperformance?
Many analysts believe that Williams faced a streak of misfortune last season. Although he recorded the worst statistics of his career, factors like his expected ERA of 3.04 and a relatively high hard-hit rate of 35.7% might indicate that he was simply on the wrong side of luck. The right-handed pitcher is best known for his incredible “airbender” changeup, which still ranked among the most effective pitches in his arsenal, holding opponents to a .194 batting average against it in 2025.
What the Future Holds for the Mets and Williams
As Williams transitions to the Mets, the organization remains interested in retaining their current closer, Edwin Díaz. The recent signing of Williams does not preclude the team from exploring options in their bullpen, which has seen considerable reshuffling in recent years. Williams has expressed a willingness to take on a setup role if necessary, which could play a crucial part in the team’s overall bullpen strategy moving forward.
Impressive Late-Season Performance
Despite a rough season, Williams finished strong. Over his last nine appearances, he displayed his potential by not allowing a single run while striking out 12 batters in nine innings. He further solidified his value by throwing four scoreless innings in the postseason, demonstrating that he can still compete on the big stage.
Durability and Long-Term Outlook
Throughout his seven-year MLB career, Williams has proven to be a relatively durable pitcher. His only significant injury came during the 2024 season when he battled stress fractures in his back. Upon returning, Williams resumed his performance, posting a commendable 1.25 ERA in his final 22 appearances of that season. This track record has fueled optimism that the 31-year-old pitcher could indeed thrive in the upcoming season.
Expectations for 2026
With the Mets excited about Williams’ potential rebound year, fans are eagerly anticipating his performance in 2026. If he can harness the positive traits seen in his previous seasons and maintain the effective use of his pitches, Williams may well become a key player in a revitalized Mets bullpen. This signing not only improves the current roster but also reflects the Mets’ commitment to enhancing their competitive standing in Major League Baseball.
Conclusion
The Mets’ decision to acquire Devin Williams marks a significant move in their offseason strategy. As they look to build a stronger team for the next season, all eyes will be on Williams as he seeks to restore his status as one of the league’s premier relievers. His combination of talent and determination suggests that he could be pivotal in shaping the outcome of the forthcoming MLB season.
FAQs About Devin Williams
What prompted the Mets to sign Devin Williams?
The Mets signed Williams to strengthen their bullpen, hoping to benefit from his track record of success despite a challenging season in 2025.
What role is Devin Williams expected to play with the Mets?
Williams has indicated he is open to taking on a setup role, especially if the team decides to re-sign closer Edwin Díaz.
How did Devin Williams perform in the 2025 season?
Williams experienced a downturn, posting a 4.79 ERA but showed flashes of excellence, particularly late in the season and during the postseason.
What is Devin Williams best known for?
Williams is renowned for his “airbender” changeup, which has been a key pitch throughout his career.
What are the expectations for Williams in 2026?
With a fresh start in New York, there are high hopes that Williams will bounce back and become a significant contributor to the Mets’ bullpen.
