Yankees didn’t make formal offer to Devin Williams before he joined Mets
Share this @internewscast.com


ORLANDO — In a notable shift in New York’s baseball landscape, Devin Williams has switched allegiances from the Yankees to their city rivals, the Mets. Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman revealed that despite initial interest, the team never extended a formal offer to the talented reliever.

Cashman mentioned he had brief discussions with Williams’ agent and requested updates on the pitcher’s market status. However, despite these attempts, Cashman noted he did not receive any follow-up communications.

“I’m not saying he needed to,” Cashman remarked on Sunday night during the Winter Meetings held in Orlando.

When approached for a response to Cashman’s statements, a representative for Williams chose not to comment, according to the Daily News.

Williams ultimately secured a three-year contract with the Mets, valued at $51 million. This comes after a challenging season for the 31-year-old, who was twice removed from his role as closer for the Yankees. Plagued by a series of setbacks and blown saves, particularly in the season’s early stages, Williams concluded the year with a 4.79 ERA across 62 innings.

Originally acquired by the Yankees in an off-season trade with the Brewers, which saw Nestor Cortes and Caleb Durbin head the other way, Williams also played a pivotal role in abolishing the Yankees’ long-standing facial hair policy last spring. However, this off-field change did little to endear him to some fans during his struggles on the mound.

While Williams didn’t post great surface numbers last season, the two-time National League Reliever of the Year had strong free agent interest after maintaining impressive metrics. His xBA, Chase%, Whiff% & K% were all in the 95th percentile or better, and his Stuff+ was 114. His xERA (3.09) and FIP (2.68) were drastically better than his ERA, and he finished the year with 13 straight scoreless outings, including the playoffs.

Results aside, Williams has repeatedly said that he liked the way he threw the ball for most of last season. Cashman didn’t disagree with that evaluation.

“He had a handful of games that destroyed the overall numbers,” Cashman said. “I thought he pitched pretty close to what he’d always pitched in the years gone by.

“He was a weapon that [Aaron Boone] could deploy. He helped us. At the end of the day, I don’t disagree with how he would describe the season. So bringing him back, I wouldn’t have made the phone call if it wasn’t a possibility. We didn’t make an offer, but I did have that conversation.”

Williams wasn’t the only Yankees reliever to hit the open market this winter, as Luke Weaver remains a free agent. Cashman said he has spoken to the righty’s rep, though he didn’t say more than that.

The Yankees have several holes to fill in their bullpen, but they do have a closer in David Bednar, who was acquired from the Pirates last summer. Bednar would make free agent closers like Edwin Díaz and Robert Suarez luxuries for a club with other needs, but Cashman wouldn’t rule anything out.

“Bednar is our guy, but my job is to be open-minded to see what more I can add,” he said.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Jacksonville Iceman to compete amid possible strike on the East Coast Hockey League

Jacksonville Iceman Set to Face Off as East Coast Hockey League Grapples with Potential Strike

A potential agreement aimed at averting a strike seeks to tackle issues…
Israel becomes first country to recognize Somaliland; Trump 'not ready'

Israel Officially Recognizes Somaliland as an Independent State; Trump Expresses Hesitation

In a groundbreaking move, Israel has become the first nation to formally…
Perry Bamonte, guitarist and keyboardist for The Cure, dies at 65

Legendary The Cure Guitarist and Keyboardist Perry Bamonte Passes Away at 65

NEW YORK — Perry Bamonte, the seasoned guitarist and keyboardist renowned for…
Ashlee Buzzard denies murdering daughter Melodee, won’t face death penalty

Shocking Twist: Ashlee Buzzard’s Plea in Daughter Melodee’s Case Avoids Death Penalty

In a recent court appearance, California mother Ashlee Buzzard entered a plea…
Chicago celebrates 1st day of Kwanzaa with holiday events across city, including Malcolm X College, Bronzeville Children's Museum

Exciting Kwanzaa Festivities Kick Off in Chicago with Events at Malcolm X College and Bronzeville Children’s Museum

As Chicago ushered in the first day of Kwanzaa, the city came…
Australian foreign minister issues apology to Jewish community in wake of Bondi terror attack

Australian Foreign Minister Extends Apology to Jewish Community Following Bondi Terror Incident

In the aftermath of the tragic December 14 terror attack in Bondi,…
UPS plane crash in Louisville claims 15th victim weeks after fiery takeoff failure

15th Victim Succumbs to Injuries Following Louisville UPS Plane Crash Weeks After Fiery Takeoff Incident

NTSB releases preliminary report on UPS plane crash Charley Pereira, a former…
Marcus Mbow out to answer important Giants question in new role

Can Marcus Mbow Solve the Giants’ Puzzle? Discover His New Role and Impact!

The spotlight is now on Marcus Mbow as he steps into a…
Google rolls out new feature allowing users to change their Gmail addresses. Here's what to know.

Google Unveils Game-Changing Feature: Easily Update Your Gmail Address – Key Details Inside

In a significant update, Google is introducing a feature that allows users…
Julian Epstein: Dems Keep Going Down 'Welfare State and Identity Politics' Rabbit Hole

Julian Epstein Critiques Democrats: Warns Against ‘Welfare State’ Focus and Identity Politics Strategy

Julian Epstein, who previously served as chief counsel for the Democratic House…
Kentucky State University shooting suspect charged with murder is parent of a student

Kentucky State University Shooting: Grand Jury Decision Sparks Controversy as No Indictment Issued

A grand jury has chosen not to indict the father of two…
Repeat offender freed after SWAT standoff tied to three shootings in one month: report

Repeat Offender Released Following SWAT Standoff Linked to Trio of Shootings in a Single Month: Report

A Texas man with a history of criminal activity has been apprehended…