NY Mets non-tender candidates: 5 players most likely to be released

NY Mets non-tender candidate: Trevor Williams projected to receive $3.8 million

If you told me Trevor Williams was developed in the same lab as Gsellman I would believe it. The two are practically clones of each other. In 2022, I would guess each plays the same exact role.

There’s a major difference between the two. While Gsellman was carving out his niche as a multi-inning reliever in New York, Williams was starting regularly with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Outside of one season back in 2018, things didn’t go so smoothly. Williams regressed and was released by Pittsburgh following the 2020 season. He would sign with the Chicago Cubs and eventually land with the Mets in the Javier Baez deal.

Due to his lengthy track record and far more starts as a major leaguer, Williams’ projected salary via arbitration is more than double what Gsellman is expected to get. Is paying a player in this role worth almost $4 million? Both pitchers are free agents after the 2022 season. Each has minor league options and both look destined for the bullpen with Williams having a slightly better chance at starting a couple of games in an emergency situation.

I have a hard time believing the Mets would pay Williams nearly this much to sit in Syracuse or out in the bullpen to eat up innings. Between the two, Gsellman might have the advantage. Or better yet, the team calls upon someone else for this role.