Mets can’t settle for Devin Williams being Edwin Diaz’s replacement

The Mets agreed to terms with Devin Williams, which means they now have exactly one viable right-handed reliever on their roster.

That’s a plus, of course. But the much better news came a few minutes later, when word came that the Mets remain in the mix for superstar closer Edwin Díaz, who’s practically a winter necessity from here.

Not to say Timmy Trumpet will be blowing taps if the Mets can’t bring Díaz back into the fold, but if Williams winds up as a replacement rather than an accessory, that’s a big hit for a franchise that can ill afford them. While Williams obviously has supreme talent and the Mets do need the arms, he isn’t Díaz. No one is.

Despite Williams’ pretty unsightly 4.79 ERA in The Bronx, he was generally very effective once he was moved into a setup role for the Yankees. And if that’s his job in Queens, the Mets have arguably the most accomplished pitcher in that very position.