The New York Mets signed Devin Williams to a three-year, $51 million deal this week. His role on the team remains up in the air until Edwin Díaz’s free agency ends.
Díaz was the National League Reliever of the Year this year and reportedly wants another $100 million deal after opting out of his $102 million contract. If Díaz returns, Williams will not be the closer in Queens, but should Díaz leave, Williams, a two-time National League Reliever of the Year himself, would have the ninth inning.
During an appearance on SNY, Williams spoke on Díaz’s uncertain future and how the two could work together if he returns to Queens.
“I think it’s just a good situation,” Williams said. “If he comes back, I think we’re going to have a really good back end of the ‘pen. More good arms is always a good thing. That’s really it.”
Williams had the worst year of his career this year. He was a superstar for the Milwaukee Brewers and arguably the best closer in baseball. The Mets are hoping he can bounce back, and some of his numbers point to him getting back on track. Despite a high ERA, Williams had the second-highest strikeout rate in the big leagues in the second half of the season, 39.3%, among pitchers with at least 25 innings pitched.
Opponents hit just .197 against Williams. Before this season, he was seen in the same tier as Díaz and other star closers. Having both of them could be great for the Mets. Williams thrived as the setup man for Josh Hader for years, and could once again thrive as a setup man for Díaz.
However, if Díaz does leave, the Mets are not in a bad spot. Williams’ poor season looks more like an outlier than a coming trend. David Stearns knows what Williams can do firsthand from his time with the Brewers. Williams has 86 career saves and is a solid option at closer for the Mets if they lose Díaz.
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