A's signal playoff hopes with trade for Mets closer Jeurys Familia

The New York Mets began what could be a major selling process on Saturday, trading long-time reliever Jeurys Familia to the Oakland Athletics in exchange for prospects Will Toffey and Bobby Wahl, plus $1 million in international slot money.

Familia has been a major part of the Mets’ bullpen for years, serving as closer and making the All-Star team during the club’s NL pennant run in 2015. In 321.1 innings over his seven-year career with the Mets, Familia holds a 2.66 ERA, 123 saves and 329 strikeouts.

Familia, 28, pitched at least 75 innings for three straight seasons between 2014 and 2016, until a domestic violence suspension and shoulder surgery forced him to miss a large chunk of the 2017 season. Familia has looked like his old self this season, with a 2.88 ERA and 2.53 FIP in 40.2 innings.

Adding Familia signals the A’s are serious about their chances to contend this season. As of Saturday morning, Oakland is nine games back from the Astros in the AL West and just four games behind the Mariners for the second AL Wild Card position.

How Jeurys Familia fits into the Athletics bullpen

Familia figures to reinforce a solid and somewhat shallow Oakland bullpen, but he probably won’t be working out of his old closer role. The A’s already have Blake Treinen, who has been a revelation since the moment he arrived in Oakland in a trade with the Nationals during the 2017 season. In 48 innings this season, Treinen has posted a 0.94 ERA and struck out 61 thanks to his high-90s velocity and nasty movement.

Instead, Familia will line up as a set-up man alongside rookie Lou Trivino, who has a 1.22 ERA in 44.1 innings this season. The A’s bullpen currently ranks 23rd in ERA with a 3.49 ERA, but has been worked hard, ranking 10th in the majors in total innings. Adding Familia should lighten the load for everyone.

What the Mets got for Jeurys Familia

The Mets will receive prospects Will Toffey and Bobby Wahl in the deal, along with international slot money.

Toffey, 23, was Oakland’s 17th-ranked prospect. The young third baseman was hitting .244/.357/.384 in 48 games for High-A Stockton, which is Oakland’s California league affiliate.

Wahl, 26, briefly joined the A’s bullpen in 2017. He appeared in seven big league games, allowing four earned run over 7.2 innings. He’s posted a 2.27 ERA so far this season at Triple-A Nashville. It’s believed Wahl will get an opportunity with Mets sooner than later.

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