New York Mets: Hidden free agent bullpen gems still on the market 7 — Jun 15, 2016; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets relief pitcher Jeurys Familia (27) celebrates with teammates after beating the Pittsburgh Pirates at Citi Field. The Mets defeated the Pirates 11-2. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Pitchers who should break camp with the New York Mets: Bullpen edition

03/01/2017

Aug 4, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Mets relief pitcher Jeurys Familia (27) reacts after getting the final out of the ninth inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

The Closer

Despite what you may think of him as a human being, Jeurys Familia is a pretty good relief pitcher. An offseason domestic violence charge may ultimately result in MLB suspending the Mets closer to start the season. However, when he is allowed to pitch again he’ll be expected by Mets brass to be the top performer that he was in 2016.

Familia led all of MLB in saves in 2016 with 51 and he is second only to Mark Melancon over a two year span with 94 total saves in over 155.2 innings pitched. Familia is 6-foot-4 righty sinker ball pitcher with a K/9 near 10. That means he’s either striking guys out or getting them to pound the ball in to the dirt. What more can you ask for from your closer.

Familia is easily one of the best in the world at his craft. If the Mets can navigate the public relations nightmare he brings with him to the mound he should continue to provide them with elite production at the backend of their bullpen in 2017.