The New York City rivalry has been ignited with a shocking MLB market move. One of the key relievers who spent last season in the Bronx, and failed to live up to expectations in his role as closer, has crossed town to join the Mets. The Queens franchise has secured his services with a big contract, betting that a change of scenery and previous experience will allow him to regain his stellar form.
This move in the market has generated much debate among fans of both teams, as the Yankees see it as a clear betrayal, while the Mets are happy with their new acquisition.
Pitcher leaves the Bronx and heads to the Mets
The New York Mets have made a surprise splash in the free agent market by signing reliever Devin Williams to a three-year, $51 million contract, snatching him directly from their cross-town rivals, the Yankees. The move has been confirmed by sources such as The Post and marks a surprising change of scenery for the pitcher who failed to establish himself in the Bronx.
Williams, 31, joined the Yankees just a year ago from Milwaukee with the expectation of being the star closer, but his initial performance was very erratic. Despite having had a solid career with the Brewers, the right-hander struggled in New York, losing the closer role twice and finishing the season with a career-worst 4.79 ERA.
David Stearns’ gamble
Williams’ arrival in Queens is orchestrated by Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns, who was his general manager in Milwaukee. Stearns is betting that Williams’ bad streak was partly the product of bad luck and that the pitcher can regain the level he showed, especially in September, when he pitched nine scoreless innings.
This signing adds to a busy offseason for the Mets, who have already moved key pieces such as trading Brandon Nimmo to the Rangers for Marcus Semien. Stearns’ goal is clear: “It wasn’t the right thing to do” to keep the same roster after last season’s historic collapse.
Pete Alonso rejects the Mets
The market has been quite busy for the Mets and with a lower budget, the team is said to have received a “no” from Pete Alonso, who according to the latest reports will not renew his contract and will look for another direction.
Alonso rejected an offer from the Mets for around $30 million and is now attracting interest from other teams, with the Boston Red Sox reportedly in pole position to land the star.
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