Mets trade scenarios to possibly unload Jeurys Familia’s salary

The New York Mets are still among the most active teams in both free agency as well as the trade market. While there have been mixed reports on whether the front office plans to go over the luxury tax threshold, one move that makes sense for the Mets is finding a way to move reliever Jeurys Familia’s one-year and $10 million left on his deal that sticks out like a sore thumb on the Mets current payroll.

While Familia bounced back in 2020 from a horrendous showing in 2019, the Mets certainly could use that $10 million in other areas that they are trying to fill this offseason, especially if the luxury tax is a legitimate concern.

The Mets 40-man roster is also currently loaded with right-handed arms that could play a part in the bullpen this season which makes Familia all the more expendable for the front office.

The Mets front office has three potential options to upgrade their roster while unloading the remaining $10 million on Jeurys Familia’s contract.

The Mets have two relievers on the active roster who are making a combined $16 million in Jeurys Familia and Dellin Betances. While the jury is still out on whether Betances will be healthy enough to regain his former form in 2021, Familia is the more valuable pitcher of the two currently and there will certainly be interest in the 31-year old reliever at the right price.

With all of this being said, I wanted to explain three different trade scenarios in which the front office has the chance to unload all or most of Familia’s remaining $10 million. The Mets successfully were able to unload Steven Matz’s remaining $5 million for three prospects, and it would not shock me in the least if Familia is the next player to go as the front office continues to explore upgrades to the roster.