Devin Williams Reflects on Past Struggles as He Joins the Mets

PORT ST. LUCIE — Devin Williams didn’t have a great experience during his single season with the Yankees. He lost his closer role twice and looked far from the effective reliever he had been in Milwaukee.

Now that he’s settling into his new role with the Mets, Williams sees at least one positive outcome from last year that could carry over to Queens.

“It was a tough mental grind,” he mentioned after a practice session at Clover Park. “Things were difficult, but I managed to pull through. By the end of the season, I was pitching really well.”

Williams emphasizes that he wrapped up the regular season with nine consecutive scoreless outings while stepping in for closer David Bednar, plus four additional solid performances in the postseason. To him, this streak is evidence that he can navigate through challenges and rebound in 2025.

“That’s who I am at my best—that last portion of the game,” he explained. “That was the standard I want to meet.”

With Edwin Diaz traded to the Dodgers shortly after his signing with the Mets, Williams is now set to take on the closing role again.

He stated he’s prepared for this new challenge. “Sure, failure is part of the game,” he said. “I did face some health issues last year, but I’m still the same player. I can still excel.”

Carlos Mendoza, the Mets’ manager, acknowledged Williams’ skills and confidence. “He has always been a top-tier closer. The early part of last year was tough, but he adapted.”

Reflecting on last year’s challenges, Williams notes they could serve him well in the long run. “You all encounter setbacks; that was by far one of the hardest times in my career.”

However, he pointed out that it wasn’t the lowest moment in his journey; he recalls 2018, when he struggled to come back from Tommy John surgery while still in the lower minors. “There were days I thought about quitting,” he admitted. “I felt miserable, wanted to give up. But I pushed through, made it to the majors in 2019, and it all worked out.”

Now, like many, Williams hopes that 2025 will be a year to remember.

Brett Batty’s Recovery and Potential

Shifting gears, it might take some time for Brett Batty to clock in minutes in right field as he recovers from hamstring tightness. Mendoza noted he’s eager to integrate Batty back into the infield first, where he started as a first baseman, before transitioning him to the outfield.

Mendoza believes Batty’s athleticism will make this adjustment more feasible. “He adapted from third base to second base quite smoothly,” the manager said.

Batty’s prior experience includes playing as an outfielder in the minors, having recently started a game for Double-A Binghamton in 2022. “He’s familiar with the outfield,” Mendoza added. “Now it’s about honing the angles and reads. He enjoys being that kind of versatile player and takes pride in it.”