The New York Mets have agreed to a three-year contract with former Yankees closer and two-time All-Star reliever Devin Williams, Yahoo Sports’ Russell Dorsey confirms.
The Athletic and ESPN first reported the news. Per ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the contract is worth more than $50 million in guaranteed money.
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Williams, 30, was one of baseball’s best relievers during a six-year stint with the Milwaukee Brewers. He made two All-Star teams while posting a 1.83 ERA with 375 strikeouts and 112 walks in 235 2/3 innings pitched during his Brewers stint. He took over as closer in his last three seasons in Milwaukee and recorded 68 total saves.
The Yankees acquired Williams and his airbender changeup in a blockbuster trade last offseason, sending pitcher Nestor Cortes Jr., infield prospect Caleb Durbin and cash in return to Milwaukee. Williams now leaves the Yankees to join the crosstown rival Mets after a disappointing season in the Bronx.
Williams, 31, struggled out of the gate with the Yankees and was demoted from his closing job after 10 games. His performance improved over the summer, and he regained the role later in the season, but he finished the campaign with a career-worst 4.79 ERA and 1.129 WHIP while tallying 18 saves in 62 innings pitched. He closed 29 of the 67 regular-season games in which he appeared.
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Williams finished the regular season strong. He didn’t allow a run in 22 of his final 23 outings and pitched four scoreless innings in the postseason for the Yankees. The Mets will certainly be hoping that version of Williams shows up in Queens.
The Mets are signing Williams as veteran closer Edwin Díaz is also a free agent. A reunion between Díaz and the Mets remains possible, but the three-time All-Star, who was at his best this past season, is expected to command a lucrative contract on the open market. Williams is Yahoo Sports’ No. 27 free agent this winter. Díaz is ranked No. 11.
