And just like that, RHP Jeurys Familia is back.
The Mets and Familia agreed to a three-year deal, worth $30 million to bring the former closer back to their bullpen, the team officially announced on Friday.
"We are excited to bring Jeurys back to Flushing," Mets GM Brodie Van Wagenen said in an official statement. "Jeurys is a familiar face and an accomplished, elite reliever with experience that will fit well in our clubhouse."
🚨 Breaking News 🚨
- SNY (@SNYtv) December 13, 2018
The Mets are signing Jeurys Familia to a three-year deal. @martinonyc with the report: pic.twitter.com/BzvkKdV9np
Familia began the 2018 season with the Mets, posting a 2.88 ERA in 40.2 innings (40 games) with 17 saves. But, prior to the trade deadline last season, the Mets agreed to a trade with the Athletics for Familia in exchange for 3B prospect Will Toffey, RHP Bobby Wahl, and international slot money.
With the A's, Familia saw a 3.45 ERA over 31.1 innings (30 games), as he was used mostly to set up for closer Blake Treinen. He did record one save during his time in Oakland.
Familia returns to the Mets where he will likely play that same setup role for Edwin Diaz -- the team's new closer following GM Brodie Van Wagenen's blockbuster trade that also brought on veteran 2B Robinson Cano for 2019. The Mets' bullpen is currently stacked with arms like Seth Lugo and Robert Gsellman as well.
"This is the perfect spot for Familia"@SteveGelbs and @martinonyc discuss the Mets' shrewd singing of Jeurys Familia on the final night of the Winter Meetings pic.twitter.com/UCh382SLsN
- SNY (@SNYtv) December 13, 2018
Coming up through the organization as a teenager, Familia made his debut with the Mets in 2012, and spent parts of six years in blue and orange before being traded away. He earned an All-Star nod in 2016, recording a 2.55 ERA with a league-high 51 saves over 77.2 innings.
Overall, Familia owns a 2.66 ERA, 2.93 FIP, and 123 saves so far in his Mets career.
This is one of the first dominos to fall in what is a robust relievers market, and the Mets may not be done. They are reportedly still pursuing bullpen pieces like Andrew Miller, David Robertson, and Adam Ottavino.