Mets Reportedly Plan to Build 2027 Bullpen Around Devin Williams

The New York Mets reportedly view Devin Williams as their closer heading into 2027 and are looking for relievers who can handle late innings ahead of him.

Pat Ragazzo of Rising Apple reported Saturday that the Mets are targeting high-leverage help to build around Williams. At the General Managers Meetings in Las Vegas, president of baseball operations David Stearns had described Williams as the closer “right now,” according to the New York Post.

Williams, 32, posted a 4.43 ERA and a 1.57 WHIP in 44 appearances in his first season with the Mets. He struck out 52 batters in 40 2/3 innings and recorded 16 saves. A right shoulder strain sent him to the injured list in August, and he returned in late September.

There were signs that Williams could still miss bats. Opponents whiffed on 34.4% of their swings against him, and Baseball Savant put his expected ERA at 3.22. His 11.4% walk rate also shows where he has room to improve. Extra baserunners can turn a one-run save chance into an inning that requires another arm.

Williams has two seasons left on the three-year deal he signed last winter. The agreement guaranteed him $51 million, including a $6 million signing bonus, MLB.com reported. The Mets had brought him across town from the Yankees, reuniting him with Stearns from their time in Milwaukee.

The bullpen around Williams looks different after the Mets traded A.J. Minter, Brooks Raley, Luke Weaver and Huascar Brazobán at the deadline. New York has checked in on Minter and Raley, and the club has also been linked to left-handers Alex Vesia and Tim Hill. Free-agent right-hander Jonathan Loáisiga has drawn interest after spending last season with Arizona.

A late-inning addition could give New York someone to face the heart of an opposing lineup in the seventh or eighth, regardless of when the toughest hitters come up. It could also give the Mets another option for the ninth when Williams needs a day off.

Stearns said at the GM meetings that the club’s priority is finding relievers who can get outs, regardless of handedness or previous role. With Williams in line for the ninth, the Mets can use that flexibility to fill the innings that get them there.