Ex-Mets Closer Quickly Lands with a New Team After Being Let Go by the Previous One

Jeurys Familia, the former Mets closer, finds himself in a familiar scenario as he re-joins the Oakland Athletics on a one-year contract. This isn’t a new narrative; Familia previously played for the A’s in a 2018 trade before returning to the Mets in 2019.

Familia, who was recently released by the Arizona Diamondbacks, signed with Oakland just two days after becoming a free agent.

As noted by MLBtraderumors.com:

Since his stint with the A’s in 2018, Familia’s performance has been marked by inconsistency. After a couple of decent seasons in 2020 and 2021, he experienced challenging years in 2019 and 2022. Last season, he posted a 6.09 ERA over 44 1/3 innings with the Phillies and Red Sox, coupled with below-average strikeout and walk rates and hard contact against him.

However, Familia demonstrated improved form this spring during his time in Arizona’s camp, recording a 1.35 ERA over 6 2/3 innings. Although this wasn’t sufficient for him to secure a spot in the Diamondbacks’ bullpen, he will now offer his experience to an Athletics relief corps lacking MLB depth.

The uncertainty surrounding Oakland’s bullpen might present Familia with opportunities for save chances. Additionally, if he performs well, he could become a valuable trade asset as the A’s continue their rebuild.

During his initial Mets tenure, Familia was a highly effective closer but is also remembered for three blown saves in the 2015 World Series.

In October 2016, Familia faced legal troubles related to a domestic violence incident in Fort Lee, N.J., which led to a 15-game suspension in 2017. Following his reinstatement, he was soon diagnosed with an arterial clot in his right shoulder, requiring surgery.

Familia pitched for the Red Sox and Phillies last season and has 125 career saves, including a league-leading 51 in 2016 with the Mets, though he managed only one save over the last four seasons.