Why Yankees Fans Should Consider Mets’ Devin Williams Signing
Devin Williams, previously a closer for the New York Yankees, recently signed a lucrative contract with the New York Mets. The three-year deal, valued at $51 million, marks a significant moment for both Williams and the Mets.
Williams’ Transition from Yankees to Mets
Williams arrived at Yankees spring training in February, sporting a full beard. This appearance was not well-received due to the Yankees’ strict facial hair policy, drawing attention from reporters. In contrast to his former team, the Milwaukee Brewers, which has a smaller media footprint, the Yankees drew a larger contingent of coverage.
Despite this off-field distraction, Williams struggled on the mound. He began the 2025 season poorly, leading to his removal from the closer role. By the end of April, he had a dismal 9.00 ERA, eventually finishing the season with a career-worst ERA of 4.79.
Performance Metrics and Future Potential
While his ERA was concerning, underlying metrics suggest Williams remains a valuable asset. In the 2025 season, he finished in the 97th percentile for chase rate, whiff rate, and strikeout rate. However, his strand rate of 55% indicated he stranded significantly fewer base runners than the league average of 71.8%. This unusual performance is likely an outlier compared to his career strand rate of 81.8%.
- Chase Rate: 97th percentile
- Whiff Rate: 97th percentile
- Strikeout Rate: 97th percentile
- Strand Rate (2025): 55% (League Average: 71.8%)
Notably, only 11 qualified relievers had a worse ERA than Williams. Despite this, teams are increasingly looking beyond traditional ERA when evaluating pitchers for contracts. They focus on metrics like FIP, which may provide better insight into a pitcher’s potential for recovery.
The New Landscape for Yankees Fans
This signing raises questions for Yankees fans regarding their team’s future. With Williams heading to Queens, the Yankees must now adjust their roster accordingly. General manager Brian Cashman has already taken steps to secure replacements like David Bednar and Camilo Doval, both of whom are expected to contribute next season.
As the Yankees explore options in the relief market, including potential signings like Robert Suarez, they must keep in mind that losing Williams could impact their bullpen’s effectiveness. However, the addition of Williams could greatly enhance the Mets’ relief capabilities, especially if they retain other talents like Edwin Díaz.
Conclusion
As the 2026 season approaches, both the Yankees and Mets are poised for significant changes. Yankees fans who were displeased with Williams’ performance should prepare for the potential impacts of his departure, while Mets supporters may celebrate the acquisition of a reliever with a strong history of success. Both teams will be under pressure to optimize their lineups as they compete in the demanding landscape of Major League Baseball.
