The New York Yankees are expected to have one of the bigger offseasons in MLB this winter, as they are always under a microscope, but they have yet to really get going in the early stages, or at least through November and what is now December. One of the Yankees’ biggest decisions lay in two-time All-Star Devin Williams, who made his free agent decision late Monday night.
Devin Williams is in agreement with the New York Mets on a three-year deal, with $50+ million guaranteed salary. The full contract details will likely be released after Williams passes a physical and the Mets officially announce the move. The reports are according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan and The Athletic’s Will Sammon.
More MLB on Heavy: BREAKING: Mets Signing Devin Williams to $50+ Million Deal
Yankees Lose Another Star Player to Mets in Free Agency
This is now the second consecutive offseason that one of the Yankees’ high-profile free agents has signed with their cross-town rival in the Mets.
The early reports indicated that the deal is worth $51+ million, with $15 million in annual salary, a $6 million signing bonus, and $5 million in deferrals, according to Jon Heyman.Â
Devin Williams had a down season compared to his standards in 2025 with the Yankees. He posted a 4.79 ERA in 62 innings and recorded 18 saves. However, he did strike out 90 batters and had a FIP of 2.68, which suggests he got unlucky, likely because he was pitching in Yankee Stadium.
GettyDevin Williams, New York Yankees right-handed pitcher.
Before 2025, Williams posted a sub-2.50 ERA in four straight seasons (2021-2024) and had been selected to two All-Star teams with the Milwaukee Brewers. Williams also won the NL Rookie of the Year award with the Brewers in 2020, when he posted a 0.33 ERA in 27 innings.
It became apparent that Williams and the Yankees were just not on the same page in any facet in 2025. He lost the closer role a couple of different times and had multiple blown saves.
More MLB on Heavy: Phillies-Twins Trade Idea Lands J.T. Realmutoâs Replacement
When Will the Yankees Get Active This Offseason?
Thinking about this signing from a Yankees perspective, it raises question marks about what meaningful moves the Yankees could make in the future. Could they give the Mets a taste of their own medicine and sign Edwin Diaz, or make the next biggest splash by signing Robert Suarez?
The team from the Bronx has its own internal decisions to make as well. Reliever Luke Weaver is also a free agent, and Cody Bellinger is also on the open market.
Before the 2025 season, Williams had a pretty good case as being the best reliever in MLB. He still has a high strike-out rate and one of the deadliest changeups in the sport.
Being in the American League East, the Yankees are going to have to get going sooner or later this hot stove season before their rival Blue Jays, Red Sox, or Orioles separate themselves in terms of offseason moves.
More MLB on Heavy: Yankees-Brewers Trade Idea Lands All-Star Reliever as Devin Williams Replacement
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