The Mets made a significant boost to their bullpen this week by signing right-handed pitcher Devin Williams to a three-year deal. Williams joins the Mets after spending last season with the Yankees, where he had a rocky start but finished strong with impressive performances during the regular season’s final games and the playoffs. Now, he’s eager to bring that momentum to his first season with the Orange and Blue.
Williams appeared on a Friday Zoom call to talk about his new role with the Mets and the prospect of partnering with Edwin Diaz at the bullpen’s back end, along with some new pitches he’s been working on.
Having acclimated to New York during his year with the Yankees, Williams feels at home in the city. He also has a strong connection with David Starnes from their time together in Milwaukee. However, the biggest draw in choosing the Mets was owner Steve Cohen’s commitment to building a winning team. “They’re a team you want to beat,” said Williams, a two-time National League Reliever of the Year. “Steve is doing everything he can to field a championship-caliber team, and I want to be part of that.”
Regarding a potential partnership with Diaz, Williams mentioned that every team he spoke with offered him the closer position. While he is currently listed as the closer for the Mets, the team continues to pursue Diaz in free agency, so the bullpen dynamics could shift in the coming weeks. Williams is confident about either scenario, noting that having both him and Diaz would create a formidable late-game presence.
Throughout his career, Williams has primarily relied on two pitches—a fastball and a changeup—but this offseason, he’s been experimenting with a cutter and plans to use it more regularly. Additionally, he’s working on incorporating a gyro slider, a pitch he’s been developing for years but hasn’t yet used in games. He hopes these additions will expand his pitching arsenal.
Excited about the support he’ll receive, Williams praised new pitching coach Justin Willard and the Mets’ advanced pitching lab, confident that the team’s resources will help elevate his performance further.
Fan Take: This signing is a game-changer for Mets fans and baseball enthusiasts alike, as Williams’ prowess combined with the Mets’ commitment to winning could reshape the team’s bullpen dominance. It signals the growing trend of investing in versatile pitchers who can evolve their game, promising an exciting and competitive season ahead.
