Jeurys Familia2014 was year where the Mets wanted to fix a major issue that has crippled the team in the past: the bullpen.

An influx of young, power arms like Vic Black, Josh Edgin, Jenrry Mejia and Jeurys Familia were going to re-establish the Mets as a team with a quality bullpen.

Those guys went above and beyond this year and have made the bullpen one of the best in baseball. And they are at a point where Mets fans no longer cringe when the bullpen is called on to save a game or keep a game close because it’s almost automatic at this point.

But one guy in particular has emerged as a true threat going forward and that would be Familia. This season he has taken steps forward and has evolved into a hard throwing, strikeout setup guy. His numbers this season are those you would find if you played MLB 14: The Show. They are un-heard of. He has been the best guy in the bullpen hands down this season. He’s been so good that there are rumblings about him beating out Bobby Parnell and Jenrry Mejia as the closer for the 2015 season.

Mejia has been solid since his move to the pen, but it hasn’t come without its struggles. A lot of base-runners have been getting on and Mejia has had a long list of injuries that have caused him trouble. Mejia obviously has a place out in the bullpen, but he hasn’t solidified himself as the closer of the future.

Then when Parnell gets back, there will be another power arm to add to the bullpen.  The bullpen is growing. Jeremey Hefner more than likely moves to the bullpen.  With all these arms being added to the bullpen, roles will need to be implemented.

Going into next spring, it will be Familia, Mejia and Parnell battling it out for the closer role. The competition will bring out the best in all three. The two that don’t get the closer’s job will be the setup men. A 7th, 8th and 9th of Mejia, Familia and Parnell (in some combination) would be one of the best setups in baseball.

This season has been the story of developing a roster for the future. That includes the bullpen. The bullpen has taken massive steps forward. Jeurys Familia took steps forward this season. His forced his way into future plans, has become a fan-favorite and has been very good as the setup man/back-up closer this season. For the Mets to be successful in the future, the bullpen needs to be one of their strengths. They have begun the process to make that a reality, and Jeurys Familia is a part of that process.

3 comments on “Jeurys Familia cementing himself into the future

  • pete

    Sorry Chris I beg to differ. But the bullpen started this year with Farnsworth and Valverde. As is the style of Mr. Alderson to sign recycled players past their prime in the hopes that they can rejuvenate their careers at the expense of impeding the youngsters you mentioned. It looks as if SA finally gave in and decide to give the youth movement an opportunity( couldn’t find any rejects to sign this year). I find it odd that we finally see a commitment to youth and the FO is contemplating bringing up Dice-K in September.to supplement the pen! It’s as if they’re afraid to put their faith and trust in the kids

  • Mike Koehler

    Official word from Alderson, if I trust his public statements, is that Bobby Parnell will be the closer in 2015. Not sure if I believe it, but that’s what he claims.

    Familia has been a very pleasant surprise. Mejia’s been dominant as a closer, but the health woes drag down my optimism. I’m hopeful, as Met fans always are, that both of these young arms will be key players in the Queens bullpen for World Series to come.

  • Patrick Albanesius

    Writing Familia’s “un-heard of” numbers would help clarify your point. Hefner is not going to be pitching in 2015. Parnell should not be considered a lock to be anything in the bullpen until he proves he’s healthy and back to normal.

    Other than that, I agree that the bullpen has taken major steps forward. Add in Leathersich or Walters and you have 6 guys who could be lock down types. If used correctly. Which they won’t be.

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