Three Mets we should still be concerned about in the 2021 season

Jeurys Familia

Unlike Alonso, I think many more people are on my side when it comes to Jeurys Familia. Familia did a lot to improve this past year. In 26.2 innings, the veteran righty was 2-0 with a 3.71 ERA. He cut down his ERA by almost two full runs.

In nearly half as many innings as he tossed in the year prior, Familia showed positive signs. The Mets didn’t seem to use him in important innings unless they absolutely had to. This may have played a slight factor in the turnaround.

A 3.71 ERA from a guy like Familia isn’t great, but I will accept it. What has me concerned are some other numbers on his stat sheet.

Familia had a 4.92 FIP, 1.46 WHIP, and 6.4 walks per nine. Let’s also add in his 7.8 strikeouts per nine. In an era where 150 strikeouts are common, Familia was pitching to contact far too often in 2020.

These numbers suggest Familia was luckier than his statistics show. His FIP was actually slightly worse this past year than it was in 2019.

Fortunately, a pitcher can survive a full season with bad metrics. Ultimately, it’s the more basic statistics like runs allowed and ERA that matter. So what if every appearance ends with the bases loaded? A win is a win.

Mets fans have seen enough of Familia to know he’ll get himself into jams. The panic comes in when everyone remembers how jittery he can get on the mound.

Familia may never pitch in another huge moment for the Mets again. Those who saw him in the postseason won’t mind. It’s in those national moments when most of us want to see him the least.