Mets Manager Mendoza Speaks on Signing Former Yankees Stars

Mendoza says past Yankees experience 'weird' but could help Mets

Feb. 21, 2026 at 11:31pm

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New York Mets manager Carlos Mendoza shared his thoughts on the team signing former Yankees relievers Devin Williams and Luke Weaver in the offseason. Mendoza acknowledged their Yankees experience is 'weird' but could help them with the Mets, though he clarified the team doesn't specifically seek out players with New York experience.

Why it matters

The Mets have undergone a major roster overhaul this offseason, in contrast to the Yankees who are largely keeping their team intact. The signings of Williams and Weaver, who struggled with the Yankees last year, are an interesting dynamic as the two New York teams look to compete in 2026.

The details

The Mets signed Williams to a 3-year, $51 million deal and Weaver to a 2-year, $22 million contract after both right-handed relievers were free agents following the 2025 season. Mendoza acknowledged their past experience playing for the Yankees' fanbase could be 'helpful' but said it's not a specific trait the Mets front office looks for when making roster decisions.

  • The Mets signed Devin Williams at the start of December 2025.
  • The Mets signed Luke Weaver a couple weeks later in December 2025.

The players

Carlos Mendoza

The manager of the New York Mets, who previously spent over a decade in the Yankees organization in various coaching roles.

Devin Williams

A right-handed relief pitcher who signed a 3-year, $51 million contract with the Mets after playing for the Yankees in 2025.

Luke Weaver

A right-handed relief pitcher who signed a 2-year, $22 million contract with the Mets after playing for the Yankees in 2025.

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What they’re saying

“It definitely helps [to have experience playing for the Yankees], but it's not something that we're looking for, or we're fishing. If it makes sense and it fits our roster, then it's just, I don't know, it's weird, but once you get them on board, it probably helps a little bit.”

— Carlos Mendoza, Mets Manager

“At the end of the day, you've got to go out and play baseball. When we're making decisions, we're not looking for players that have previous experience in New York. We're looking for baseball players that are going to help us win baseball games here and that we will continue to.”

— Carlos Mendoza, Mets Manager

The takeaway

The Mets' offseason moves, including signing former Yankees relievers Devin Williams and Luke Weaver, highlight the contrast between the two New York teams' approaches. While the Yankees are largely keeping their roster intact, the Mets have undergone significant changes, though their manager Mendoza insists prior Yankees experience is not a priority in their signings.