The New York Mets are really trying to fix all the problems they faced in their 2025 collapse. One of their major problems was their bullpen, and they seem to be doing a good job fixing it. Their signing of Devin Williams proves it. But is this signing by David Stearns really enough to solve all their problems?

According to Jim Riley, it might not be. “It would be an incredible uh acquisition to put Williams and Diaz together,” said Riley. “If the goal is to not let what happened last year ever happen again… have two closers at the back of your bullpen.”

The New York Mets collapsed after holding a 45-24 record on June 12, 2025. Their pitching staff’s ERA jumped from 2.83 to 4.95 over the final 93 games. Injuries to Frankie Montas and Kodai Senga left minor league call-ups facing high-pressure situations.

The bullpen repeatedly failed, leaving the Mets 0-70 when trailing after eight innings.

Devin Williams signed a three-year, $51 million deal with the Mets this offseason. In 2025 with the Yankees, he allowed 26 earned runs in 62 innings pitched. Williams struck out 90 batters but walked 25, showing inconsistency under high-leverage situations. He did have a good postseason, where he pitched 4 scoreless innings, but his inconsistencies can’t be hidden.

Edwin Díaz, on the other hand, finished the 2025 season with 28 saves across 66.1 innings pitched. He recorded a 1.63 ERA and 38.0 percent strikeout rate, ranking second among relievers. Diaz has been so good that he has limited his home run rate to just 0.5 per nine innings. This has also earned him a Trevor Hoffman NL Reliever of the Year award.

Steve Cohen has promised to rebuild the roster and address any weaknesses for 2026. Re-signing Díaz would strengthen the ninth inning and give the Mets a reliable arm as a closer.

Without Díaz, the Mets risk repeating last year’s collapse despite offseason improvements.

Devin Williams alone cannot erase the memory of the Mets’ 2025 bullpen disasters entirely. Edwin Díaz’s return is essential, or Steve Cohen might need a time machine instead. New York fans can hope, but history shows payroll doesn’t always buy postseason success.

How will this position be different for Devin Williams than for pitchers before him?

Devin Williams walking into the Mets’ bullpen feels like déjà vu, but with a twist. This isn’t just another reliever hopping onto a bandwagon built on shaky arms and dashed hopes. Fans have seen this movie before, and yes, the credits often roll with more groans than applause, but Williams might just flip the script.

The Mets have previously placed relievers in high-leverage roles, often with mixed results. Jeurys Familia dominated as a closer during 2015–2016, setting the franchise saves record. After returning in 2019 as Edwin Diaz’s setup man, he struggled to a 5.70 ERA and 6.3 BB/9. Ryan Helsley and Dellin Betances also failed to sustain consistent performance during short Mets stints.

Devin Williams enters the same pressure-filled environment after a strong turnaround in 2024 with Milwaukee. His previous postseason exposure is limited, but he showed improved control and strikeout metrics last season. Unlike Familia, Williams will serve as a high-leverage reliever without immediately replacing another established closer.

The Mets’ continued focus on a structured bullpen may provide better context and support for his role.

Devin Williams steps into the New York Mets’ bullpen carrying both promise and the weight of history. Fans remember Familia and Helsley, but Williams enters with metrics that actually suggest stability. If he performs, the Mets might finally stop treating relievers like disposable chess pieces in critical games.