Report: Mets, Devin Williams agree to 3-year, $51M contract

Devin Williams is taking his talents across town.

The right-handed reliever agreed to a three-year deal with the New York Mets on Monday worth $51 million guaranteed, sources told Will Sammon of The Athletic. The deal doesn't contain any opt outs or options.

Williams spent the first six seasons of his major-league career with the Milwaukee Brewers where he was a two-time All-Star, NL Rookie of the Year, and one of the most dominant closers in the sport. He pitched last season for the New York Yankees, where he struggled at times and was removed from the closer's role in July after posting a 5.01 ERA over his first 41 1/3 innings.

The 31-year-old pitched well down the stretch for the Yankees, however. He posted a 2.50 ERA, 0.36 FIP, and 34 strikeouts across 18 innings. Williams was used primarily in a setup role over the final two months, logging eight holds. He didn't allow a run over his final nine regular-season appearances.

Williams will likely slide into the closer's role for now, and will serve as insurance should the Mets be unable to re-sign star reliever Edwin Díaz. The right-hander is the top reliever on the open market and is expected to command a deal worth nearly $100 million. Even despite Williams' $17-million average annual value, the Mets are still interested in bringing back Díaz, a source told Anthony DiComo of MLB.com.

The signing of Williams represents the second major move for David Stearns this winter as he attempts to retool a team that missed the postseason in 2025. Stearns traded long-time outfielder Brandon Nimmo to the Texas Rangers last month for second baseman Marcus Semien.

Williams is the third prominent reliever to sign this winter. Former Mets right-hander Ryan Helsley inked a two-year, $28-million deal with the Baltimore Orioles, while Raisel Iglesias signed a one-year, $16-million contract to remain with the Atlanta Braves.