Jeurys Familia returns to the place where he called home for six and a half years.
The Mets have signed their former closer to a three year deal worth 30 million dollars. Familia sits third on the Mets’ all time save list with 123, but will serve in a set up role as the newly acquired Edwin Diaz will be the ninth inning option. Familia also set the Mets’ record for saves in a single season with 51.
Familia has been with the Mets organization since he was a teenager in the Dominican Republic. Thrust into closing duties after Jenrry Mejia was suspended in 2015, he thrived in the role, notching 43 saves. He was an integral part of the Mets’ 2015 World Series run, but that autumn wasn’t too kind to Familia. He blew a save in Game 1, surrendering a homerun to Alex Gordon. He technically blew two other saves in that fall classic, but in my opinion, he just happened to be on the mound.
He was phenomenal in 2016, but gave up a tie breaking three run homerun in the Wildcard game against San Francisco, a game which the Mets ultimately lost. The good times stopped rolling after that for the most part.
He was suspended 15 games in 2017 for violating Major League Baseball’s joint domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse policy. He also missed much of the 2017 season after undergoing surgery to repair an arterial clot in his right shoulder.
With the Mets out of contention in July of last year, the team shipped Familia to Oakland for a pair of prospects, third baseman Will Toffey and reliever Bobby Wahl, plus $1 million in international bonus pool money.
And now, he’s back.
This deal came out of nowhere. Everyone was focused on the potential JT Realmuto trade and they snuck this move in on us at 330 am.
I like the move. A lot. I believe Familia will make a fine setup man, and this really shores up the bullpen. It’s what was said afterwards that concerns me.
The Mets are still seeking left-handed bullpen help, but don't count on Andrew Miller. After Jeurys Familia becomes official, Brodie Van Wagenen indicates another eight-figure deal for a reliever is probably out.
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) December 13, 2018
Well. I guess that means Jerry Blevins is coming back. That might not be the worst thing. He did have a strong end to the 2018 season. Red flag! The team crying broke again.
Keep in mind: Part of the benefit of getting Realmuto would be not spending money on a free-agent catcher.
Mets are working with a finite amount of money. If they don't have to buy a catcher, then can spend on a CF. If they sign Grandal, it would mean much less for CF. https://t.co/krHX9dPSWL
— Tim Healey (@timbhealey) December 13, 2018
See how easy that was? Addressing a need without creating holes all over the place?
Welcome back Jeurys.