The New York Yankees just lost an option off the free agent market, as reliever Devin Williams is no longer on the shelf. He signed with the crosstown New York Mets. But this development appears to have worked out well for the Yankees.
The Mets are on the hunt to repair their bullpen, and they identified Williams as a piece to their puzzle. The reliever signed a three-year deal worth $45 million, along with a $6 million signing bonus.
Sep 12, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Devin Williams (38) delivers a pitch during the eighth inning against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images
The Yankees Are Better Off Without Devin Williams
Williams spent 2025 with the Yankees in the Bronx, and after just one season, he will now compete in Queens. He’ll most likely be in a short reliever role, possibly even in a back-up set-up role.
Williams was brought to the Yankees in hopes of staying a consistent, effective closer. His overall performance and demeanor turned out differently, as he struggled from the very beginning of the season.
It was said that Williams was expected to meet with Brian Cashman and his office, potentially for a deal to return him to the Bronx. This noise was confusing to Yankees fans and the baseball industry, due to his lack of dominance in his expected role.
As per SNY, Brian Cashman stated that he would attempt to speak to Williams’ agent, along with Luke Weaver’s agent, in an attempt to get them back. He also alluded to the fact that they have plenty of up-and-coming arms in the system.
Cashman also referred to having David Bednar in the closer role. He said they are happy about that and that there is “no pressure” with regard to the closer. Bednar was brought in at the trade deadline and took over the closer role the rest of the way.
We have signed RHP Devin Williams to a three-year contract.
Welcome to the Mets, Devin! pic.twitter.com/qUBhfFo3Lc
— New York Mets (@Mets) December 3, 2025
Yankees Possibly Dodged Another Collapse By Letting Closer Go
The thought of Williams returning to the Bronx after a sloppy trial season is mind-boggling. The right-hander was a living testament that closing in the Bronx was not exactly for him.
His previous closer experience with the Milwaukee Brewers is appreciated and respected, but the Yankees’ current situation and the American League East is no joke. Playing in a division where you were one of the two Wild Card contenders, while the Toronto Blue Jays just got to the World Series, means you need a deadly bullpen moving forward.
Williams just was not the pitcher the Yankees were hoping for. His one-year deal was a healthy test drive to push the decision to part ways. His potential is still there, especially with his pitching repertoire. However, he did not have that grit as a late-game stopper, and his appearances in vulnerable situations caused constant anxiety in 2025.
There needs to be that trust factor with your closer, and Williams did not have that. He looked fearful in most of his outings, even in initially non-threatening situations. Williams’ command of the zone was not great, and his ability to go after hitters was not evident, nor was getting ahead in the count.
Having him come into a game made everyone watching want another arm in the bullpen as a contingency. The Bronx was not for him. Queens may be a better place, where he can fit in better.
Cashman’s decision not to aggressively pursue Devin Williams may have been a blessing in disguise for the Yankees.
Main Photo Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images