Devin Williams Signs with Mets After Yankees Miss Out

ORLANDO — In a surprising turn of events, Devin Williams, once viewed as a key addition to the New York Yankees bullpen, has officially signed a three-year, $51 million contract with the New York Mets. This development comes on the heels of a challenging season in pinstripes, during which Williams struggled to find his rhythm.

Lack of Formal Offer from Yankees

Despite the initial optimism surrounding his trade from the Milwaukee Brewers, Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman confirmed that he never extended a formal offer to Williams. Speaking at the recent Winter Meetings, Cashman revealed:

“I had at least one conversation with the reliever’s agent this offseason and told him to keep the Yankees abreast of Williams’ market. But he never called me back — I’m not saying he needed to.”

Cashman had acquired Williams last December, aiming to bolster the Yankees’ bullpen with the talented closer. Unfortunately, that partnership did not materialize as expected.

Williams’ Rollercoaster Season with the Yankees

Williams’ time with the Yankees was marked by turbulence. Initially hailed for his prowess, he faced significant challenges, including losing the closer role twice during the season. Though he finished with an ERA of 4.79, both he and Cashman believe his performance was better than suggested by his final statistics. Cashman remarked:

“I would agree that his season was better than how the normal numbers look. I would agree he had a handful of games that destroyed the overall numbers.”

Key Takeaways from Williams’ Season:

• Initial Struggles: Took time to adjust and lost the closer position.
• Season End: Finished strong, but struggled overall.
• Perception: Both Cashman and Williams feel he performed better than his numbers indicate.

Charles Wenzelberg

Yankees’ Reaction to Williams’ Departure

With Williams now heading to the Mets, Cashman expressed regret but also a sense of inevitability. The Yankees had not made a formal offer, indicating a lack of clarity about the situation. Cashman noted:

“Bringing him back, I wouldn’t have made the phone call if it wasn’t a possibility, but we didn’t make an offer.”

The Ongoing Sonny Gray Saga

In another twist, the Yankees found themselves tangled once more in the narrative surrounding Sonny Gray, who was recently traded to the Boston Red Sox. Gray previously expressed his disdain for playing in New York, stating:

“I never wanted to go there in the first place.”

This re-emphasis on Gray’s feelings highlights the complexities of player dynamics and expectations within the team structure. Cashman revealed the rookie mindset at the time of Gray’s acquisition:

“He wanted to be a Yankee.”

However, the truth emerged only later, revealing Gray’s discomfort with New York’s environment.

Looking Ahead: Volpe’s Injury and Future Prospects

As the Yankees move forward, challenges loom, particularly regarding Anthony Volpe. Cashman indicated that Volpe, who is recovering from left shoulder surgery, is not expected to return before May.

Additional Updates:

• Kyle Tucker: Free agent outfielder has been visiting various spring training facilities but has yet to meet with the Yankees at Steinbrenner Field.

For more details on player contracts and teams’ strategies in the 2023 MLB offseason, consult reputable sources such as ESPN and MLB.com.

The Yankees will now look to regroup and refine their bullpen strategy without Williams, while the Mets eagerly welcome their new reliever in hopes of fortifying their roster for the upcoming season.