The latest New York Mets rumors have named two more teams in the Jeurys Familia sweepstakes. The Oakland Athletics and Chicago Cubs are both reportedly interest in the Mets closer.
Just days after the Manny Machado was dealt to the Los Angeles Dodgers, the MLB trade deadline gates have opened up. For the New York Mets, this means selling high and hoping to land back some young talent. The latest of the Mets rumors offers yet another clue with which teams they could strike a deal.
Fortunately for them, they have the best closer on the market pitching in their bullpen. I don’t care what you say about Zach Britton. Jeurys Familia is healthier and having an underrated 2018 season.
Previous Mets rumors linked Familia to the Boston Red Sox and Philadelphia Phillies. Two of the newest teams to enter the arena are the Oakland Athletics and Chicago Cubs.
The Athletics have been one of the biggest surprises this season. Hanging on a prayer over in the tough American League West, they are hopeful to catch the Seattle Mariners and win the second wild card.
Interestingly enough, Familia may not get a chance to close for them. Blake Treinen, whom they acquired in a trade last summer with the Washington Nationals, was an All-Star this year. Moving him from the ninth inning could mess with his mojo.
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Perhaps the Athletics could view Familia as a setup man instead. Nevertheless, it’s a shock to see them in the market for one of the best card carrying members of the 2018 summer trade block.
As for the Cubs, it’s no shock to see them buying this July. One year removed from winning the 2016 World Series, they are hopeful to get back to where they feel they belong. With closer Brandon Morrow currently on the disabled list, it may force them to make a move sooner than later.
The way the Cubs have managed their closer situation for the past few seasons is peculiar. They landed Aroldis Chapman from the New York Yankees in 2016. Before last season started, they made a trade with the Kansas City Royals for Wade Davis.
This season, the Cubs hoped to cash in on Morrow’s success from last year. It worked quite well. In fact, the Cubs have a really good bullpen not many people are talking about.
Familia is an interesting trade candidate because I don’t believe teams view him as a closer. While this could do a little damage to his free agent cause in the offseason, I think he has a long enough resume. For him, this year is about joining a team for a postseason run.
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For the Mets, it’s all about sending him to the team with the best package to offer. Let’s hope they choose wisely.