Devin Williams rejects a four-year, $60 million offer from the Mets, but speaks out against Hal Steinbrenner’s tightening‑the‑belt philosophy: “If I’m forced to leave, I’m not joining the Yankees’ historic rival, the Mets.”

New York, NY – December 1, 2025

In a surprising twist that could reshape the Yankees' offseason plans, reliever Devin Williams has reportedly turned down a four-year, $60 million contract offer from the New York Mets — a move that raised eyebrows across the league. But while Williams’ decision shuts the door on a potential crosstown blockbuster, it also reignites a familiar tension in the Bronx: the Yankees’ increasingly controversial financial restraint under owner Hal Steinbrenner.

Despite being one of the most dominant relievers in recent seasons and a strong late-season contributor for the Yankees in 2025, Williams remains unsigned. Sources close to the right-hander say the Mets’ offer was tempting, but ultimately, principle outweighed payday.

“If I have to leave the Yankees, I can accept that,” Williams said. “But I won’t wear a Mets jersey just because they offered the highest salary to go up against the Yankees. That rivalry means a lot to me, and I respect that.”

The comment — delivered with calm but unmistakable clarity — was seen as both a nod to Yankee tradition and a rare, unfiltered critique of ownership direction. Williams expressed admiration for the Yankees organization, coaches, and fanbase, but didn't shy away from pointing the finger at what he sees as misaligned priorities at the top.

“This team should never be outbid for talent,” Williams added. “You don’t wear pinstripes to talk about budget ceilings. You wear them to chase banners.”

The Yankees have been under increasing scrutiny this winter, with fans and insiders alike frustrated by Hal Steinbrenner’s public comments about tightening spending, even as the team struggles to reclaim its postseason dominance. While Steinbrenner has defended the strategy as sustainable and smart, critics — now including players — argue it’s a betrayal of the Yankees’ storied identity.

Williams’ decision not only reinforces his integrity in the eyes of many fans, but also puts pressure on the front office. The Yankees risk losing one of their most reliable bullpen arms, not to a division rival or a championship contender — but to indecision and frugality.

As the Hot Stove heats up, the message from Williams is crystal clear: respect tradition, spend like the Yankees, or risk losing players who still believe in what the franchise once stood for.