After carrying one of Major League Baseball’s highest payrolls last season, the New York Mets entered the year with enormous expectations, only to unravel late and lose both their grip on the NL East and a postseason berth. Looking to recover from a disappointing 2025 campaign, the front office has already begun reshaping the roster. One of the most notable additions is veteran reliever Devin Williams, and as he prepares for his transition to Queens, he has revealed that he is developing a brand new pitch.
According to Mets beat reporter Anthony DiComo, who shared the update on X, formerly known as Twitter, Williams is in the process of expanding his arsenal. DiComo wrote, “Devin Williams, who’s essentially been a two pitch pitcher (fastball, changeup) his entire career, says he is working to add a gyro slider for next season.”
The description is accurate. Throughout his career, Williams has relied almost exclusively on his fastball and his famous changeup. That changeup, nicknamed “the Airbender,” was once considered one of the most dominant pitches in baseball. It showed signs of returning to form late last season, giving the Mets hope that a revived Airbender combined with a new slider could transform Williams into an even more dangerous relief option when the 2026 season begins.
As the club continues reshaping the roster after falling short of expectations, the Mets have also claimed former Boston Red Sox pitcher Cooper Criswell off waivers. They will feature a new pitching coach as well, with Justin Willard stepping in after Jeremy Hefner’s departure. New York still needs additional reinforcements for both the rotation and bullpen, but early moves indicate a proactive approach from the front office.
Williams also explained that the presence of team owner Steve Cohen played a major role in his decision to sign with New York. Cohen, the wealthiest owner in the sport, has repeatedly demonstrated his willingness to invest heavily in the roster and pursue top talent. The Mets’ acquisition of Williams, who had drawn interest from the Yankees, continues a recent trend of former Yankees crossing over to Queens. It is now the second consecutive offseason in which the Mets have picked off a player their rivals previously targeted or employed.
The question now is whether Williams can deliver immediate impact for the Mets in the same way Juan Soto did across town in 2025 as he begins his tenure in Queens.