Aug 23, 2016; St. Louis, MO, USA; New York Mets relief pitcher Jeurys Familia (27) celebrates with catcher Travis d'Arnaud (18) after closing out the ninth inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium. The Mets won 7-4. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
MLB: New York Mets at St. Louis Cardinals
(New York, NY) — Should the New York Mets reunite with a longtime friend?
The Athletics have designated RHP Jeurys Familia for assignment.
Familia has converted a couple of saves for the A’s, but has posted a miserable 6.39 ERA and 2.05 WHIP in 14 appearances. The 33-year-old returned to the A’s for a second stint this year, after the D-backs cut him loose late in spring training.
The veteran reliever will undoubtedly clear waivers and is probably looking at a minor-league deal for his next contract.
Enter the New York Mets?
In 10 seasons in Queens (over two stints), Familia finished with 124 saves across 467 1/3 innings, pitching in a number of high leverage situations. He closed games during the Mets 2015 NL Pennant winning season, and served as New York’s stopper for several seasons. With Edwin Diaz presumably out for the season, a third stint could be in the cards.
It’s been a tough two years for Familia, who was roughed up for a 6.09 ERA in 44 1/3 frames between the Phillies and Red Sox in 2022. Familia’s fastball, which once averaged better than 97 mph, has regressed to 94.8 mph. His days closing out games may be over, but his arm could be a useful addition to the right bullpen.
The 2016 All-Star boasts a 3.51 ERA, 125 saves, 70 holds and a 24.4% strikeout rate in 543 big league frames.
