New York, May 28 — The Yankees announced a one-year contract with right‑hander Devin Williams on Tuesday, adding a proven late‑season closer to a bullpen that ranks third in the AL East. Williams, who logged his eighth save for the Mets on May 27, will report to spring training on Feb. 7 and is expected to compete for high‑leverage innings.
Williams struck out three and walked three in a scoreless ninth against Cincinnati, converting his eighth save in nine attempts and improving his K/BB ratio to 13:7 over nine innings. The Mets’ former closer finished the season with a 3.45 ERA and a 1.08 WHIP, numbers that the Yankees hope will translate to New York’s high‑pressure situations.
What does Devin Williams bring to the Yankees?
Williams offers a blend of power pitching and strikeout ability, highlighted by a 9.2 K/9 rate during his recent stretch and a fastball that averages 95 mph. His 2025 season featured six straight save conversions, showing composure under pressure. The Yankees’ bullpen, anchored by Clarke Schmidt and Luis Gil, lacked a dedicated closer after the trade deadline, making Williams a strategic fit.
How did the deal come together?
The one‑year, $4.5 million contract was negotiated after Yankees scouting reported his recent performance and veteran poise. Yankees general manager Brian Cashman cited “a proven finisher who can thrive in tight games” during the press conference, emphasizing the front office’s belief that Williams can stabilize the back end of the rotation.
Key Developments
- Williams will wear number 58, the first time the Yankees have assigned that digit since 2019.
- The contract includes a $1 million performance bonus tied to achieving 15 saves before season’s end.
- Williams joins a Yankees bullpen that posted a 3.78 ERA in the final month of the 2025 season, ranking 12th in the league.
- New York’s payroll for relievers rises to $22 million, the highest total among AL East teams.
- Williams’ signing marks the fourth free‑agent reliever acquisition for the Yankees this offseason, following Adam Ottavino, James McArthur and Joakim Soria.
Impact and what’s next for New York
With Williams in the mix, the Yankees gain a reliable ninth‑inning option that could shorten games and preserve starters for longer outings. If he reaches the 15‑save bonus, the financial incentive aligns with the team’s push for a postseason berth. Analysts note that a strengthened bullpen often correlates with a 0.20 drop in team ERA, a metric the Yankees aim to improve before the June trade deadline. The move also signals to the front office that they are willing to invest in late‑season specialists to keep the AL East race competitive.
What is Devin Williams’ career ERA?
Williams posted a 3.68 career ERA over 220 innings pitched, with a peak 2.95 ERA during his 2023 season as a full‑time reliever.
How many saves did Williams record with the Mets last season?
He recorded eight saves for the Mets in 2025, converting six of them in a row before a loss to Miami broke the streak.
Will Williams be eligible for the All‑Star Game?
Under MLB rules, a player must appear in at least ten games before the All‑Star break to qualify; Williams is expected to make his debut for the Yankees in early April, giving him a realistic chance if he maintains his strikeout pace.