After playing a year with the Yankees in 2025, closer Devin Williams is now throwing across town for the Mets. In a recent interview with MLBbro.com, Williams answered a wide range of topics, from having confidence issues to his love for New York.
MLBbro.com: Before we talk baseball, did you do anything special this past offseason? The reason I’m asking is that three years ago, you went to Europe to watch soccer games and, before you were traded to the Yankees, you traveled to New York. What did you do this past offseason?
Devin Williams: Last year, [my family and I] didn’t take a trip. We had our lease through the end of November, so we ended up staying here another month, enjoying the city. We were able to live here without any obligations of being anywhere. We took it in, had some good food, and did some shopping.
MLBbro.com: What was the best part of being in New York during the offseason?
Williams: I have to say the food. You start to take it for granted being here. Then I would go to Florida or whatever, the options aren’t there. You really kind of miss it.
MLBbro.com: What is your favorite food in the city? My favorite is Pastrami at Katz’s Deli.
Williams: I don’t know if I have a single favorite. It’s the variety and all the options. If you want Indian food, there are 20 options. You don’t get that in any other place.
MLBbro.com: You became a first-time father last year. What was it like to be a dad for a full year?
Williams: It’s awesome, man. I watched how he developed during the last year, watching his little brain absorb everything. He picks up the little things I’m doing or the little things that his mom is doing. It’s been really cool to watch.
MLBbro.com: What has been the biggest thing that pleasantly surprised you as a dad?
Williams: I think having something to look forward to when I get home, which is outside of baseball, good or bad. That day is behind us. He helps me reset. He brings in perspective what’s important in life.
MLBbro.com: Let’s talk baseball. You are one of 174 players who have played with both the Mets and the Yankees. What’s the difference between playing in the Bronx and Queens?
Williams: The route to work is different. You are driving to Queens and not the Bronx. People are different, but a lot of it is the same – similar media people like yourself, similar expectations from the fans. It’s not too different.
MLBbro.com: People will admire you for this. You were able to handle New York even though you had a difficult season in ‘25. You obviously decided to stay in New York and sign with the Mets. What is it about New York that you love?
Williams: It has its pros and cons, but I always loved it here. I love being in the city – just the energy you feel. There is an energy about being here you don’t get anywhere else. … There are a lot of new things here. It’s always exciting. There is always something to do, somewhere to entertain yourself. It’s a special place.
MLBbro.com: You are off to a great start compared to last year. Why?
Williams: I’m in a good place mentally and physically by being put in good positions. For the most part, the [Mets] have done a good job with everyone across the board. I’m just attacking and pitching ahead in the count. That makes a huge difference.
MLBbro.com: You talk about the mental side. What have you done to make sure that you are mentally there 100 percent?
Williams: I don’t know if there is anything you can really do. You can’t go practice being confident. It’s not like something you could say, “I’m confident now.” You can’t think that way. I don’t know. Maybe if I want to admit it or not, I wasn’t in the most confident place coming into last season after the way the 2024 season ended [when I allowed the Pete Alonso homer in the National League Division Series]. But I found it along the way.
MLBbro.com: How did you find it, and who helped you?
Williams: Me. I went out there and got my ass kicked. I went out there and tried to do my best every time until it went in my favor.
MLBbro.com: You are very honest about last year. There are players who would not admit the truth.
Williams: Reflecting on it, I could have been in a better place in the beginning. It was something I had to go through.
MLBbro.com: You also worked for Mets GM David Stearns in Milwaukee. How good is it to be reunited with him?
Williams: It’s awesome. I saw what he was able to do with the Brewers organization. Obviously, I was there before he was there. The changes that were made within the organization to turn that team around, he set those wheels in motion. It’s still in the early stages [with the Mets]. I like what he has done.
MLBbro.com: Before you signed, what did Stearns say to you that made you feel comfortable to become a member of the Mets?
Williams: There wasn’t anything he had to say for me to be comfortable. This is a place I was interested in – even before I was traded to the Yankees or faced free agency. I really like Citi Field. Obviously, I know people here. I like the guys I’ve known previously before getting to know everyone else. I don’t think it took too much convincing [to sign with the Mets].
