SACRAMENTO, CA – APRIL 13: A detail shot of the New York Mets logo is seen during the game between the New York Mets and the Athletics at Sutter Health Park on Sunday, April 13, 2025 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Bryan Kennedy/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
MLB Photos via Getty Images
The New York Mets endured a disappointing fall from the top of their division all the way out of playoff contention last year. And they seem determined to keep that from happening again.
Shortly after the season ended, the team swapped long-time outfielder Brandon Nimmo to the Texas Rangers to bring in second baseman Marcus Semien in an effort to improve their alignment. And then the team signed two-time National League Reliever of the Year Award winner Devin Williams to a $51 million contract to fortify the bullpen.
But even though Williams is a highly decorated closer from his time with the Milwaukee Brewers, he struggled with the New York Yankees this past season. He was met with boos from home fans several times as he seemed to strain under the pressure of playing in baseball’s biggest market. Ultimately, he posted a career worst 4.79 ERA.
“The signing will bring Williams across town from the rival Yankees, where he spent all last season,” Anthony DiComo wrote for MLB.com. “On the surface, Williams had the worst season of his career in 2025.”
Obviously, the Mets believe Williams can perform more like the pitcher he was before joining their crosstown rival. And it seems possible that the team will bring in another high-caliber closer arm, perhaps a reunion with All-Star Edwin Diaz, which would take some pressure off of Williams at the backend of the bullpen.
But for now at least, it seems like Yankees fans are having a hard time letting go. And Williams himself acknowledged some hard feelings about the move on social media.
“For a bunch of people that didn’t want me back on your team, y’all sure are mad in the DMs,” Williams wrote on Instagram, as relayed by SNY Mets.
It seemed to be an acknowledgment by the player that Yankees fans are reaching out to him directly to voice their displeasure with his decision to join the crosstown rival. Though Williams seems to recall that Yankees fans were calling for the team to stop placing him in high-leverage situations as he struggled on the mound this past season.
Williams could see the message as a parting shot of sorts for those Yankees fans who were never willing to embrace him. But as he prepares to start his new contract with the Mets, he will surely have some significant encounters with his old team’s fans again as the rivals meet next season and for the next few years to come.