More than two years ago, the New York Mets traded Jeurys Familia to the Oakland Athletics at the July 31 trade deadline. A little less than two years ago, they brought him back on a three-year deal.
Now two seasons into the contract, it’s safe to ask: what were they thinking?
It’s hard to believe that Familia was once one of the league’s best closers. In 2015 and 2016, he combined to save 94 games for the Mets. His 51 in 2016 led the league and set a standard of excellence he would never repeat.