Devin Williams’ one year with the New York Yankees was a poor one, and the American League East team didn’t even make a formal contract offer to re-sign him this offseason.
General manager Brian Cashman told reporters Sunday the Yankees didn’t make an offer for the relief pitcher even though he told Williams’ agent to keep them updated on the market.
While the Yankees never received a call before the right-hander signed with the New York Mets, Cashman added “I’m not saying he needed to.”
Williams ultimately agreed to a three-year, $45 million deal with the Mets and joined a bullpen that already has A.J. Minter, Adbert Alzolay and Brooks Raley.
It remains to be seen whether free agent Edwin Diaz will return as the closer, but Williams said he was “open to pitching in whatever role the team needs him for and wants to win a World Series in New York,” per The Athletic’s Will Sammon.
There was a time when the 31-year-old was considered one of the top relief pitchers in the league.
He was the 2020 National League Rookie of the Year and a two-time All-Star during his tenure with the Milwaukee Brewers. He also posted a sub-2.00 ERA in four of his five full seasons with the team, including when he finished with a 1.25 ERA in 2024.
However, Williams finished the 2025 campaign with a 4.79 ERA and was largely seen as a disappointment for the Yankees after they acquired him via trade prior to the season.
New York may not have been informed about his market, but it doesn’t seem like Cashman was eager to bring the relief pitcher back after such a lackluster showing. A change of scenery is likely the best for both sides heading into the 2026 season.
And Williams will now try to rediscover his previous form on the Mets.