NY Mets: Re-ranking the team’s upcoming free agents

6. Relief pitcher Jeurys Familia

Where to even begin with Jeurys Familia. The 31-year-old was dominant in his prime from 2015-2016, totaling 94 saves across 155.2 innings. But come the disappointing 2018 season, the Mets traded him to the Oakland Athletics.

Now, when the Amazins’ decided to bring Familia back, nobody expected him to suddenly become that lockdown closer again. Rather, New York needed him at the very least to establish himself as one of their most reliable go-to guys out of the bullpen.

Come 2019, Familia seemed to be a shell of his former self. His return to Queens featured a 5.70 earned run average over 60 innings of work, as he struggled to get out of his own way. Between the rise in his walk and hit rates, the fan base quickly viewed his three-year deal as a loss.

Then came the COVID-19 shortened season, where Familia seemed to find his groove again. In 26.2 innings, Familia posted a 3.71 earned run average, becoming that quality reliever the Mets wanted to begin with. Then again, questions arose as to if he could sustain this success over a full season.

Well, doubters now have their answer. Familia has found a way to pitch his way out of difficult situations and has been one of the more consistent arms out of the bullpen in 2021. On the year, he has a 3.56 earned run average in 31 games, as his contract has finally paid off.

At this point, who knows what Familia’s future may hold? Chances are the Mets, more specifically their fan base, would not want to see him on another multi-year deal again. At the same time, maybe a one-year deal could be in the realm of possibility.