Devin Williams Finds Form in Mets Bullpen After Early Season Struggles

Devin Williams appears to have rediscovered his rhythm in New York after an uneven start to his tenure with the Mets, following a difficult 2025 season with the Yankees. The veteran reliever’s early 2026 struggles briefly raised concerns about his ability to stabilize a key bullpen role.

A particularly challenging stretch in mid-April saw Williams surrender eight earned runs over just two innings, a sequence that sharply inflated his early-season numbers and intensified scrutiny on his performance. For a pitcher with a track record of late-inning dominance, the dip stood out as an early-season concern.

Since that period, however, Williams has re-emerged as a reliable and effective bullpen option for the Mets. His recent outings have reflected a sharp turnaround in both command and confidence on the mound.

That resurgence was further reinforced in Thursday’s win over the Washington Nationals, where Williams once again delivered in a high-leverage situation to secure another strong outing for New York.

1. Turnaround After Early Season Struggles

Following his difficult stretch in April, Williams has quietly compiled a strong run of appearances that have restored stability to his role in the Mets bullpen. Entering Thursday’s game, he had not allowed an earned run over his previous nine outings. During that span, he allowed just one hit across 8.2 innings pitched, a significant improvement in both execution and results. The stretch reflected a return to the form that previously made him one of the more trusted relievers in late-game situations. His ability to limit traffic on the bases has been particularly important, as it has reduced pressure in tight games and allowed the Mets to better manage late-inning leads. The consistency has also helped lower his season ERA after an early spike. The turnaround has come at a crucial time for a Mets team still working to stabilize its overall pitching performance in the early stages of the season.

2. Key Performance in Win Over Nationals

Williams delivered another steady performance on Thursday night, closing out a narrow 2-1 victory over the Washington Nationals. Entering in a high-leverage situation, he worked efficiently to protect the lead and secure the win. He allowed just one hit while striking out one batter, once again preventing any earned runs from scoring. The outing marked another example of his improved command and pitch execution during his recent stretch. The save was his seventh of the season, further cementing his role as a key late-inning option for the Mets bullpen. His ERA dropped to 4.32 following the appearance, reflecting the impact of his recent run of success. For a team still seeking consistency, Williams’ reliability in closing situations has become an increasingly important asset.

3. Mechanical Adjustment Behind Resurgence

After the game, Williams offered insight into the mechanical adjustment that has helped fuel his improved performance. He pointed to changes in his starting hand position as a key factor in regaining comfort and consistency. He explained that altering and then reverting his hand positioning allowed him to return to a more natural and familiar delivery. According to Williams, the adjustment has helped him eliminate discomfort and improve repeatability in his mechanics. The reliever also noted that previous adjustments had been made in part to address concerns about tipping pitches, though the latest change has helped restore confidence in his delivery. The result has been a more stable and effective pitching approach. With his mechanics now settled, Williams appears to have reestablished himself as a dependable bullpen presence, offering the Mets a measure of stability during a challenging start to their season.