As the New York Mets prepare for the 2017 season, one of the issues they face is likely beginning the regular season without their closer Jeurys Familia.
Although charges have been dropped against Familia stemming from his domestic violence arrest last October, the Mets still have to expect they’ll be without him for the first month of the season, or more. Yet, an extra month of rest for Familia could turn out to be beneficial for the long haul in 2017.
Since unexpectedly being thrust into the closer’s role at the beginning of 2015 – after Jenrry Mejia’s suspension – Familia has proven himself as one of the game’s elite late-inning relievers.