Re-grading all 6 MLB free agent deals the NY Mets signed this offseason

Devin Williams: C+

Speaking of relievers, the Mets signed one more major reliever this offseason. None was bigger, more costly, or debated than Devin Williams. Some people liked it at the time. Some still do as a suitable enough replacement for Edwin Diaz. It was the manner in which he arrived to the Mets as a hedge against losing Diaz that seemed to ruffle some feathers and perhaps led to Diaz feeling spurned by the Amazins.

Awarding this signing with a C+ isn’t to say we should think of it poorly. They paid market value for him. If Williams was coming off of a strong season, I don’t think as many people would be upset about the deal. Because he lost his closer role in the same city already, the fear is history will repeat itself all over again. What’s ironic is Luke Weaver is the one who replaced Williams first last year as the New York Yankees closer. 

Humans naturally like things to repeat or at least have similarities of some kind. We elect sons of former presidents way too often. The film industry is filled with sequels and remakes. It’s ingrained in us to believe in patterns.

No cash bargain and a three-year commitment to Williams can help turn this into a less desirable deal by the end. The fact that the Mets intended to sign Diaz as well should have us doubting this a little bit. Even they didn’t prefer Williams as a closer.

We have no choice but to accept it in the interim. At least there are some backup plans and if he does end up in a setup role, things should go well.