What Mets Signing Yankees’ Devin Williams Means For Red Sox, Edwin Diaz
Williams could be Diaz's replacement in the Mets bullpen
Will the New York Yankees’ loss be the Boston Red Sox’s gain?
On Monday, former Yankees closer Devin Williams signed a three-year, $51 million contract with the New York Mets.
The Mets, of course, already had a closer in Edwin Diaz, but he opted out of his contract to hit the open market. Among the teams linked to Diaz is the Red Sox.
King of Queens?
So what changes now that the Mets are bringing Williams from the Bronx to Queens? Not much, according to MLB insiders.
ESPN’s Jeff Passan: “Devin Williams’ deal with the Mets is three years with no opt-outs or options, per source. He’ll be there and pitching at the back end — and maybe in the ninth inning, depending on where Edwin Díaz goes — for the foreseeable future.”
The Athletic’s Will Sammon, who first broke the Williams deal: “It remains possible that the Mets can still add Edwin Díaz, league sources said. Williams’ deal is $45 million plus a $6 million bonus, prorated equal over the three years (in total, $15 million is deferred; $5 million each year).”
The New York Post’s Jon Heyman: “Mets remain in the mix for Edwin Diaz (Williams isn’t Diaz but he gives them a bit of cover, in case the unpalatable happens and Diaz leaves).”
SNY’s Andy Martino: “This does not take the Mets out of the market for Edwin Diaz. It doesn’t mean they’ll def sign him, but they’re still in.”
Developing Market
Last month, Heyman reported the Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, Baltimore Orioles and Detroit Tigers are among the potential landing spots for Diaz.
The Orioles have since signed former All-Star closer Ryan Helsley to a two-year, $28 million contract.
Diaz, a three-time All-Star, recorded 28 saves and a 1.63 ERA last season. He posted a career-high and MLB-best 57 saves in 2018 with the Seattle Mariners.
Seattle traded Diaz to the Mets after the 2018 season in the deal which also sent former Yankees second baseman Robinson Cano back to New York.
Diaz agreed to a record-setting five-year, $102 million contract after the 2022 season. Months after signing the richest deal ever for a reliever, Diaz tore the patellar tendon in his right knee during the World Baseball Classic and missed the 2023 MLB season.
Joining the Red Sox would be an interesting choice for Diaz, since Boston already has 37-year-old closer Aroldis Chapman under contract for 2026. The southpaw signed a one-year, $13.3 million extension for next year which includes a vesting option for 2027.
Chapman, an eight-time All-Star, recorded 32 saves this year while posting a career-low 1.17 ERA.
