LAS VEGAS — The Mets are turning toward a Familia face for bullpen help.
Jeurys Familia, who was dealt by the Mets at last season’s trade deadline, reached an agreement for a return to the team, pending a physical, an industry source confirmed early Thursday morning. It’s a three-year deal worth $30 million for the right-hander, who would be expected to serve in a setup role for new closer Edwin Diaz.
The 29-year-old Familia went 8-6 with a 3.13 ERA in 70 appearances for the Mets and Athletics last season. Familia was dealt to Oakland at the trade deadline for reliever Bobby Wahl and minor league third baseman Will Toffey.
Familia’s addition is the Mets’ first splash at the winter meetings. The team had been showing interest in relievers Andrew Miller, David Robertson and Adam Ottavino, among others, according to sources, but it’s unclear if new general manager Brodie Van Wagenen will continue looking for arms to bolster a bullpen that was among the worst in the major leagues last season.
As it stands, the Mets are without a proven lefty for the bullpen. Seth Lugo and Robert Gsellman will join Familia and Diaz to give the team four solid right-handed options. Diaz, who posted 57 saves and a 1.96 ERA last season, was recently acquired from the Mariners with Robinson Cano in a deal that sent Jay Bruce, Anthony Swarzak, Jarred Kelenic, Justin Dunn and Gerson Bautista to Seattle.
Familia had a rocky first tenure with the Mets that included 123 saves, but also a suspension in 2017 for violating MLB’s domestic violence policy. Later that year he underwent surgery for a blood clot in his right shoulder that cost him most of the season.
His best work came in 2015, when Familia posted a 1.000 WHIP and 1.85 ERA for a Mets team that won the National League pennant. But in the World Series against the Royals he was charged with three blown saves. The next season he was the losing pitcher in the National League wild-card game, after allowing a go-ahead homer to Conor Gillaspie.
The Mets are still searching for a catcher and right-handed bat for the outfield. Van Wagenen remains active trying to acquire All-Star catcher J.T. Realmuto in a trade with the Marlins, but could turn to a free-agent market that includes Yasmani Grandal, Wilson Ramos and Martin Maldonado. In the outfield, the Mets have shown interest in A.J. Pollock, Marwin Gonzalez and Adam Jones, among others.
Familia’s agreement with the Mets came as the Dodgers were landing free-agent reliever Joe Kelly, who dominated in the postseason for the Red Sox, on a reported three-year deal worth $25 million. Kelly had been on the Mets’ radar for much of the offseason.
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