The Mets have found a closer to trust.
Jeurys Familia emerged last season, becoming just the fifth player in franchise history with at least 20 saves and a sub-2.00 ERA. He tied the team record with 43 saves in 48 opportunities.
Other than a rough patch immediately after the All-Star break during which the right-hander gave up six runs over five appearance and blew three saves, Familia was one of the most consistent closers in the game. Take away those five appearances, and the 26-year-old’s 2015 stats are eye-popping: 72 2⁄3 innings, 1.24 ERA, 0.936 WHIP, 9.9 K/9.
Bridging the gap between the Mets’ phenomenal starting pitchers and superb closer are a mix of solid and uncertain arms.
Antonio Bastardo, the biggest offseason acquisition to the pitching staff, had a strong year out of the Pirates’ bullpen. He pitched to a 2.98 ERA as more than a mere left-handed specialist.
Right-handers Addison Reed and Hansel Robles return after solid 2015 campaigns. Reed was strong after a late-season trade from the Diamondbacks until a disastrous postseason performance, so there’s cause for concern over which Reed is the real one.
Lefty Jerry Blevins is back too after a broken arm limited him to seven appearances. He could be joined by Josh Edgin, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery, in May.
