If you are a New York Mets‘ fan, there is no chance you don’t know that Jeurys Familia had a bad 2019. In 60 frames, he registered a 5.70 ERA with a 4.88 FIP and a 4.99 xFIP. It’s really hard to log 60 innings and put a negative fWAR, but he somehow managed to do it, finishing with -0.2.
With 6.30 BB/9, Familia just had his worst full season when it comes to control. He handed free passes left and right, which was the primary reason for his inflated ERA. Like he usually does, he struck out more than a hitter per inning (9.45 K/9.) However, the walks were a definite problem last season.
Right now, however, Familia seems to be in a much better place. The right-handed reliever claims he lost approximately 30 pounds in the offseason. He wants to be in a better shape to endure the long season.
The Mets’ reliever is looking good
Familia passes the eye test. He looks much slimmer than last season. In 2019, he played at around 270 pounds but now, he claims he is roughly in the 238-240 range. He looks ready to roll.
While Mets pitchers and catchers don’t officially have to report this week, Familia and fellow reliever Edwin Diaz are already in Port St. Lucie. They want to get some early workouts. They want to show the world that they are ready to put the past behind.
The New York Mets are counting on bounceback years from both Familia and Diaz. They also signed Dellin Betances and retained a good group headlined by Seth Lugo. Justin Wilson and Robert Gsellman will also be fixtures, as will whoever losses the fifth spot rotation battle.
“Our bullpen is the best bullpen right now in the big leagues,” said Familia to SNY. “If everybody’s healthy, I think we’re going to do something special this year, to win a lot of games.”