Ever since Devin Williams allowed that three-run homer to Pete Alonso in Game 3 of the 2024 NL Wild Card Series, things haven’t been the same for the right-handed reliever.
It would be one of the last pitches he threw as a Brewer, but Williams’ struggles carried over when Milwaukee shipped him to the Yankees before his final year of control. After never posting an ERA north of four in his career, Williams logged a mark of 4.79 with the Yankees, finishing the year with a 4-6 record and four blown saves in 67 appearances.
Devin Williams Struggled After Joining NY Mets
He posted career lows in hard-hit and barrel rates, and the constant traffic led to blowup moments in big-time situations. Initially intended to be New York’s closer, he transitioned into low-leverage roles and wasn’t the Yankees’ go-to guy in the ninth for the rest of the season.
There was also speculation that going from a small market like Milwaukee to the biggest market possible in New York played a role in Williams’ drop-off in performance. So, it came as a surprise when he didn’t move far in free agency, inking a three-year, $51 million deal with the Mets to play in Queens for the next several seasons.
Williams got off to a clean start with the Mets in 2026, tossing scoreless frames in his first five appearances of the year. He was reinforcing the trust the front office placed in him by committing to him as their closer and Edwin Diaz replacement, despite having the worst season of his career in his walk year.
The Dodgers jumped all over him in mid-April, tagging Williams for four runs while he only recorded one out. He would allow at least one run in his next three outings, ballooning his ERA to 10.29 and giving some fans in New York early buyer’s remorse.
Return Of The “Airbender”
But quietly, Williams has settled in on the mound since those four rough appearances. Dating back to April 26, the 31-year-old hasn’t allowed a run in his last 8 2/3 innings and has surrendered just one hit and two walks in that span while striking out 11.
He worked two scoreless frames against his former team, the Yankees, in the Subway Series this past weekend at Citi Field. Williams’ highlight was working around the automatic runner in extra innings during the Mets’ comeback win on Sunday, inducing an inning-ending double play in the 10th with runners on the corners.
The St. Louis native’s success has always been predicated on commanding his fastball and “Airbender” changeup that has a truly unique movement profile.
Recently, Williams has been tapping into the version as a pitcher that made him a two-time All-Star, two-time NL Reliever of the Year winner, and NL Rookie of the Year during the shortened 2020 season, where he posted a 0.33 ERA. This season, Williams is inducing much more soft contact, while missing bats, getting hitters to chase, and racking up strikeouts at rates that rank among the league’s best.
The Mets dug themselves a hole in 2026 but have suddenly won five of their last six games. If they want to get back into the playoff race, having a dependable closer like Williams has been before and looks to be at the moment will go a long way.
