NY Mets Monday Morning GM: 5 decisions that’ll make or break the team in 2026

4) Losing Edwin Diaz and having Devin Williams in the closer’s role instead

Going from Edwin Diaz to Devin Williams in the closer’s role isn’t as devastating as some may make it out to be. Williams actually has some superior or equal numbers over the course of his career including ERA, ERA+, and an even slighter better bWAR.

Regardless of how you want to slice and dice it, the confidence level with Williams for the final three outs isn’t nearly as strong as it would be with Diaz. Williams had one full year as a closer. As spectacular as it was, his poor results last season with the New York Yankees has him entering this year on a bit of a downer in terms of expectations.

Williams may have some of those underlying statistics to suggest he’ll return to brilliance next year. Try convincing the blowhard fans of this. Diaz is coming off of a year only overtaken by his 2022 dominance. When it comes to relievers, they’re a big mystery but also worthy of a “what have ya done for me lately?” kind of mentality.

If one decision by a pitching coach can swing the direction of the entire season, a single ball thrown by the closer can alter the year, too. Diaz’s invincibility factor as the closer had our hearts skipping a beat at times even when he was at his best. Williams, who would’ve looked much better as a setup man, is sure to give us a little more agita. A little can have big consequences.