ST. LOUIS — It is always easy to remember the first, but the setting of Devin Williams’ first save in a Mets uniform made it a little extra special.
The Mets closer grew up about 20 miles northwest of St. Louis in Hazelwood, Missouri. He grew up cheering on the Cardinals at Busch Stadium II and the new ballpark before he was drafted out of high school in 2013.
Advertisement
After Monday night’s outing, Williams can add another special memory that took place near his roots as he pinned down his first save as Mets closer in the club’s 4-2 victory in front of 21,307 fans at Busch Stadium.
1 / 37
Meet the new Mets in Bo Bichette, Freddy Peralta and more. See photos
PORT ST. LUCIE, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 13: Bo Bichette #19 of the New York Mets fields a ground ball during spring training workouts at Clover Park on February 13, 2026 in Port St. Lucie, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)
1 / 37
Meet the new Mets in Bo Bichette, Freddy Peralta and more. See photos
PORT ST. LUCIE, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 13: Bo Bichette #19 of the New York Mets fields a ground ball during spring training workouts at Clover Park on February 13, 2026 in Port St. Lucie, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)
2 / 37
Meet the new Mets in Bo Bichette, Freddy Peralta and more. See photos
PORT ST. LUCIE, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 16: Bo Bichette #19 of the New York Mets fields a ground ball during spring training workouts at Clover Park on February 16, 2026 in Port St. Lucie, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)
3 / 37
Meet the new Mets in Bo Bichette, Freddy Peralta and more. See photos
PORT ST. LUCIE, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 19: Bo Bichette #19 of the New York Mets poses for a photo during the New York Mets Photo Day at Clover Park on February 19, 2026 in Port St. Lucie, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)
4 / 37
Meet the new Mets in Bo Bichette, Freddy Peralta and more. See photos
Feb 13, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets shortstop Bo Bichette (19) looks on during spring training at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
5 / 37
Meet the new Mets in Bo Bichette, Freddy Peralta and more. See photos
Feb 13, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets shortstop Bo Bichette (19) walks on the field during spring training at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
6 / 37
Meet the new Mets in Bo Bichette, Freddy Peralta and more. See photos
Feb 13, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets shortstop Bo Bichette (19) works during spring training at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
7 / 37
Meet the new Mets in Bo Bichette, Freddy Peralta and more. See photos
Feb 17, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets infielder Bo Bichette (center) speaks to infielder Marcus Semien (left) and third base coach Tim Leiper (right) during spring training at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
8 / 37
Meet the new Mets in Bo Bichette, Freddy Peralta and more. See photos
Feb 19, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets infielder Bo Bichette (19) poses for a photo during media day at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
9 / 37
Meet the new Mets in Bo Bichette, Freddy Peralta and more. See photos
Feb 21, 2026; Port St. Lucie, Florida, USA; New York Mets third baseman Bo Bichette (19) looks on against the Miami Marlins during the third inning at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
10 / 37
Meet the new Mets in Bo Bichette, Freddy Peralta and more. See photos
Feb 21, 2026; Port St. Lucie, Florida, USA; New York Mets third baseman Bo Bichette (19) throws to first base but cannot retire Miami Marlins third baseman Connor Norby (not pictured) during the fourth inning at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
11 / 37
Meet the new Mets in Bo Bichette, Freddy Peralta and more. See photos
Feb 24, 2026; Port St. Lucie, Florida, USA; New York Mets third baseman Bo Bichette (19) plays his position against the Houston Astros during the third inning at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
12 / 37
Meet the new Mets in Bo Bichette, Freddy Peralta and more. See photos
Feb 24, 2026; Port St. Lucie, Florida, USA; New York Mets third baseman Bo Bichette (19) runs onto the field before the game against the Houston Astros at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
13 / 37
Meet the new Mets in Bo Bichette, Freddy Peralta and more. See photos
Feb 24, 2026; Port St. Lucie, Florida, USA; New York Mets third baseman Bo Bichette (19) throws a baseball into the stands against the Houston Astros during the first inning at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
14 / 37
Meet the new Mets in Bo Bichette, Freddy Peralta and more. See photos
Feb 24, 2026; Port St. Lucie, Florida, USA; New York Mets third baseman Bo Bichette (19) returns to the dugout against the Houston Astros during the third inning at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
15 / 37
Meet the new Mets in Bo Bichette, Freddy Peralta and more. See photos
JUPITER, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 27: Freddy Peralta #51 of the New York Mets throws a pitch against the St. Louis Cardinals during the first inning of a spring training game at Roger Dean Stadium on February 27, 2026 in Jupiter, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)
16 / 37
Meet the new Mets in Bo Bichette, Freddy Peralta and more. See photos
JUPITER, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 27: Freddy Peralta #51 of the New York Mets throws a pitch against the St. Louis Cardinals during the first inning of a spring training game at Roger Dean Stadium on February 27, 2026 in Jupiter, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)
17 / 37
Meet the new Mets in Bo Bichette, Freddy Peralta and more. See photos
JUPITER, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 27: Freddy Peralta #51 of the New York Mets throws a pitch against the St. Louis Cardinals during the third inning of a spring training game at Roger Dean Stadium on February 27, 2026 in Jupiter, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)
18 / 37
Meet the new Mets in Bo Bichette, Freddy Peralta and more. See photos
PORT ST. LUCIE, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 19: Freddy Peralta #51 of the New York Mets poses for a photo during the New York Mets Photo Day at Clover Park on February 19, 2026 in Port St. Lucie, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)
19 / 37
Meet the new Mets in Bo Bichette, Freddy Peralta and more. See photos
Feb 11, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets pitcher Freddy Peralta (51) warms-up during spring practice. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
20 / 37
Meet the new Mets in Bo Bichette, Freddy Peralta and more. See photos
Feb 11, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets pitcher Freddy Peralta (51) warms-up during spring practice. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
21 / 37
Meet the new Mets in Bo Bichette, Freddy Peralta and more. See photos
The New York Mets starting pitcher Freddy Peralta throws during spring training on the back fields of Clover Park on Feb. 11, 2026, in Port St. Lucie.
22 / 37
Meet the new Mets in Bo Bichette, Freddy Peralta and more. See photos
Feb 17, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets pitcher Freddy Peralta (51) throws a pitch during the New York Mets spring training workouts at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images
23 / 37
Meet the new Mets in Bo Bichette, Freddy Peralta and more. See photos
Feb 17, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets pitcher Freddy Peralta (51) throws a pitch during the New York Mets spring training workouts at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images
24 / 37
Meet the new Mets in Bo Bichette, Freddy Peralta and more. See photos
Feb 27, 2026; Jupiter, Florida, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Freddy Peralta (51) delivers a pitch against the St. Louis Cardinals during the first inning at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
25 / 37
Meet the new Mets in Bo Bichette, Freddy Peralta and more. See photos
Feb 27, 2026; Jupiter, Florida, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Freddy Peralta (51) warms up against the St. Louis Cardinals during the first inning at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
26 / 37
Meet the new Mets in Bo Bichette, Freddy Peralta and more. See photos
Feb 27, 2026; Jupiter, Florida, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Freddy Peralta (51) looks on against the St. Louis Cardinals during the first inning at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
27 / 37
Meet the new Mets in Bo Bichette, Freddy Peralta and more. See photos
PORT ST. LUCIE, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 16: Marcus Semien #10 of the New York Mets looks on during spring training workouts at Clover Park on February 16, 2026 in Port St. Lucie, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)
28 / 37
Meet the new Mets in Bo Bichette, Freddy Peralta and more. See photos
PORT ST. LUCIE, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 19: Marcus Semien #10 of the New York Mets poses for a photo during the New York Mets Photo Day at Clover Park on February 19, 2026 in Port St. Lucie, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)
29 / 37
Meet the new Mets in Bo Bichette, Freddy Peralta and more. See photos
Feb 17, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets third baseman Marcus Semien (10) walks on the field during the New York Mets spring training workouts at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images
30 / 37
Meet the new Mets in Bo Bichette, Freddy Peralta and more. See photos
Feb 24, 2026; Port St. Lucie, Florida, USA; New York Mets second baseman Marcus Semien (10) returns to the dugout against the Houston Astros during the first inning at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
31 / 37
Meet the new Mets in Bo Bichette, Freddy Peralta and more. See photos
Feb 24, 2026; Port St. Lucie, Florida, USA; New York Mets second baseman Marcus Semien (10) tosses a baseball into the stands against the Houston Astros during the fourth inning at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
32 / 37
Meet the new Mets in Bo Bichette, Freddy Peralta and more. See photos
Mar 3, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets second baseman Marcus Semien (10) throws to first to retire Nicaragua right fielder Ismael Munguia (not pictured) during the first inning at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
33 / 37
Meet the new Mets in Bo Bichette, Freddy Peralta and more. See photos
Feb 27, 2026; Jupiter, Florida, USA; New York Mets third baseman Christian Arroyo (28) throws to first base to retire St. Louis Cardinals catcher Pedro Pages (not pictured) during the third inning at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
34 / 37
Meet the new Mets in Bo Bichette, Freddy Peralta and more. See photos
Feb 25, 2026; Port St. Lucie, Florida, USA; New York Mets second baseman Christian Arroyo (28) stretches out his legs befor the game against the St. Louis Cardinals at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
35 / 37
Meet the new Mets in Bo Bichette, Freddy Peralta and more. See photos
TAMPA, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 22: Luis Torrens #13 of the New York Mets helps up teammate Christian Arroyo #28 after Arroyo made a sliding grab during the first inning of a spring training game against the New York Yankees at George M. Steinbrenner Field on February 22, 2026 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mark Taylor/Getty Images)
36 / 37
Meet the new Mets in Bo Bichette, Freddy Peralta and more. See photos
Feb 17, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets infielder Christian Arroyo (21) fields a ground ball during the New York Mets spring training workouts at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images
37 / 37
Meet the new Mets in Bo Bichette, Freddy Peralta and more. See photos
Feb 19, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets infielder Christian Arroyo (28) poses for a photo during media day at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Williams’ lockdown effort, which included a pair of pop-ups and a strikeout of Nathan Church, came in front of his family and son Xavi, who is due to turn 1 year old on Tuesday.
“A little early birthday present for him,” Williams told NorthJersey.com. “Every time (back in St. Louis) has some significance, some meaning. I think it was really cool to be able to get that first one here.”
In his career, including his time with the Brewers, the Cardinals’ NL Central rivals, Williams is now 2-0 with four saves, two holds and a 1.98 ERA in 12 appearances in St. Louis.
Advertisement
On Monday, Williams proved the type of efficiency that the Mets were hoping they would see when they inked him to a three-year, $51 million contract early in the offseason.
Devin Williams finding his footing for Mets
New York Mets pitcher Devin Williams (38) celebrates with catcher Francisco Alvarez (4) after the Mets defeated the St. Louis Cardinals on March 30, 2026, at Busch Stadium.
He threw 10 of his 12 pitches for strikes, getting Nolan Gorman to fish for a changeup and pop it up into shallow left field. Then, he climbed the strike zone with a 94.5 mph fastball to get another weak fly ball from Jordan Walker to the opposite side of the field. He struck out Church on his airbender in the fourth pitch of his at-bat.
“Got ahead, didn’t mess around,” Carlos Mendoza said. “Attacked hitters with the fastball, with the changeup. Pitch efficient.”
Advertisement
Williams tossed the perfect ninth frame despite not feeling like he had his best airbender changeup. It was his first save since Aug. 20, 2025, as a member of the Yankees after he had already relinquished the closer role to David Bednar.
Williams’ first save opportunity with the Mets came after he worked through a testy opening frame in his debut on Saturday against the Pirates. He gave up a one-out double to Jake Mangum and issued a one-out walk to Ryan O’Hearn in that one, but struck out Bryan Reynolds on a high fastball to keep the Mets and Pirates tied up.
“It’s not always going to be easy or you’re not always going to go 1-2-3, so sometimes you gotta work out of some stuff,” Williams said. “I think that was a good place to get my feet wet in front of the home crowd. They were loud and I got it going for them.”
Some Mets fans were clamoring for Williams to enter the 10th inning of another tie game on Sunday night, but Mendoza said that he was steering clear of using him after he warmed up and was one batter away from being used on Opening Day.
Advertisement
The Mets manager did say before Monday’s game that the Mets would “probably” pitch Williams in back-to-back games if necessary.
Devin Williams adds to Mets bullpen’s strong start
New York Mets pitcher Devin Williams (38) delivers a pitch against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the ninth inning on March 28, 2026, at Citi Field.
Williams’ save punctuated another strong effort from the Mets’ bullpen unit, which has allowed three earned runs across 18 innings (1.50 ERA) in four games to begin the season.
On Monday, the trio of Tobias Myers, Brooks Raley and Williams shut down the Cards across the final 3⅓ innings to help Clay Holmes secure his first win of the season.
“They’ve done a really good job. When you’re looking out of the gate, we’re playing two extra inning games, they have to cover a lot of innings and they kept us in the game so far,” Mendoza said. “We asked a lot out of a few of them out of necessity, but again, just continue to keep in mind the big picture here and continue to protect guys when we need to.”
Advertisement
Myers came on in relief of Holmes with two outs in the sixth inning, picked up a fly ball on the first pitch and then struck out three straight batters. Raley effortlessly worked around a one-out single. Both earned holds
Huascar Brazoban, Luke Weaver, Raley and Williams have made two scoreless appearances out of the gate to underscore the unit’s efficiency thus far.
“We just got a lot of good options,” said Williams who has familiarity pitching alongside Weaver and Myers. “It’s a great thing for a manager to have that many buttons to push.”
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: NY Mets: Devin Williams notches first save in hometown ballpark