Part 10 in a series about the New York Mets
The tone for Jeurys Familia’s 2019 season was set when he arrived at spring training out of shape after not throwing during the offseason.
Not only was Familia behind in arm buildup, but he gained weight and would spend the spring trying to recover. Familia had received a three-year contract worth $30 million from the Mets that winter, returning him to the organization into which he was signed and developed.
There was debate within the organization on the merits of re-signing Familia, who had been dealt to Oakland at the trade deadline in 2018. Two names discussed as alternatives, Adam Ottavino and Zack Britton, both signed with the Yankees. The thought within the Mets’ front office was Familia was at least as good as the others, with his previous New York experience giving him an edge.
But Familia never caught up from his lack of offseason conditioning. In an abysmal season, the right-handed reliever pitched to a 5.70 ERA in 66 appearances, placing him alongside Edwin Diaz as a huge disappointment in a bullpen that was largely responsible for the Mets nosediving into a first-half hole from which they never fully recovered. Ottavino and Britton had strong seasons for the Yankees.
Once baseball resumes following the COVID-19 shutdown, the Mets will look to start reaping returns on the Familia investment. Familia reported to spring training this season 30 pounds lighter — after beginning a throwing program in December — and vowing improvement.
“I am sure he learned his lesson about showing up ready to go and in shape,” a major league talent evaluator said. “I am sure he is embarrassed about the way the year ended.”
Familia’s credibility with the fans took a hit after he suffered three blown saves in the 2015 World Series, which the Mets lost to the Royals in five games. The following year he was the losing pitcher in the NL wild-card game, after allowing a three-run homer to the Giants’ Conor Gillaspie. Those letdowns have in part obscured Familia’s successes with the organization, including a franchise-record 51 saves in 2016.
“He’s got the stuff,” the talent evaluator said. “He’s got a high-90s power sinker, he’s got a nice splitter a plus-changeup, but you have got to believe in your stuff and feel that every pitch you throw you are going to win that pitch instead of just throwing something and hoping and trying not to fail because you know the boo birds are going to come out as soon as you do.”
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Familia was 4-4 with a 2.88 ERA in 40 appearances for the Mets in 2018 when he was dealt to Oakland for Bobby Wahl, Will Toffey and international bonus money. Familia pitched to a 3.45 ERA in 30 appearances to help the A’s reach the AL wild-card game.
Diaz’s arrival to the Mets in the deal that sent top prospect Jarred Kelenic to Seattle was supposed to fortify the team at closer, with Familia providing a setup presence. But the season concluded with Familia and Diaz pitching in low-leverage situations because of their struggles. Now the hope is Familia can rebound and give the Mets a reliable eighth-inning option or potential backup plan at closer should Diaz again falter. Seth Lugo, Justin Wilson, Dellin Betances and Brad Brach are other setup possibilities with closing experience.
“It was a tough season for me,” Familia said before spring training started. “I’ve never had a year like that. Gaining weight affected my delivery to the plate and messed up my rhythm, which is why I started … training to take the weight off this offseason.”
In five exhibition game appearances before spring training was suspended, Familia pitched to a 1.80 ERA, but he had walked three batters in five innings.
“Honestly I feel better,” Familia said. “Everything is better for me. I feel 100 percent different from last year compared to now.”
Familia was asked about his energy level
“I have always got energy, but I think now I’m available to repeat my delivery and feel stronger and that’s the big thing,” Familia said. “I’m more flexible and I have a chance to finish my pitches better because of the weight I lost.”