NEW YORK — Free agent reliever Devin Williams has agreed to a contract with the New York Mets, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press Monday evening.
The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the deal was pending a physical and had not been announced.
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Several media outlets reported that the parties had agreed to a three-year contract.
Williams spent last season across town with the New York Yankees, going 4-6 with a career-worst 4.79 ERA and 18 saves in 22 opportunities. He lost the closer job, got it back, then lost it again before finishing the year with four scoreless outings in the American League playoffs.
The 31-year-old right-hander is a two-time All-Star who twice won the Trevor Hoffman NL Reliever of the Year Award with the Milwaukee Brewers while Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns managed that team. Williams was also voted the 2020 NL Rookie of the Year.
Milwaukee traded Williams to the Yankees for pitcher Nestor Cortes and infielder Caleb Durbin last December.
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With the Mets, Williams could replace free agent Edwin Díaz or complement him in a rebuilt bullpen.
Williams was pitching for the Brewers when he gave up a home run to Mets slugger Pete Alonso in the deciding Game 3 of their 2024 NL Wild Card Series. The three-run shot gave New York the lead in the ninth inning and the Mets won the series.
Known for a changeup so deceptive it’s called The Airbender, Williams struck out 90 batters and walked 25 in 62 innings in 67 appearances during his lone season in pinstripes. He earned $8.6 million in 2025.
After the Yankees were eliminated from the playoffs, Williams said he was ready to re-sign with the team.
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“At first it was a challenge, but I ended up loving being here,” the reliever said in October after a 5-2 loss to Toronto in Game 4 of the AL Division Series. “I love this city. I love taking the train to the field every day. Yes, I really enjoyed my experience here.”
