Blue Jays: Time to flex some financial muscle to fill out the bullpen

CLEVELAND, OHIO - APRIL 06: Manager Charlie Montoyo #25 removes starting pitcher Thomas Pannone #45 of the Toronto Blue Jays during the third inning against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field on April 06, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO - APRIL 06: Manager Charlie Montoyo #25 removes starting pitcher Thomas Pannone #45 of the Toronto Blue Jays during the third inning against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field on April 06, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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DENVER, COLORADO – SEPTEMBER 16: Pitcher Jeurys Familia #27 of the New York Mets throws in the sixth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on September 16, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
DENVER, COLORADO – SEPTEMBER 16: Pitcher Jeurys Familia #27 of the New York Mets throws in the sixth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on September 16, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /

Jeurys Familia

The New York Mets appear to be moving towards contending in 2020 and losing the anchor of Jeurys Familia‘s contract would definitely help to reallocate those resources. First, let’s take a look at the contract status.

Contract: Familia signed a 3 year, 30 million contract with the Mets which covered the years of 2019-2021. Sportrac.com has the breakdown of the contract as 6 million in 2019 and 11 million in each of 2020 and 2021. There is a deferred 2 million payment in 2022. So essentially there is still 24 million owed to Familia over the next 3 seasons (which he is a free agent in 2022).
So just how far underwater is this contract? Let’s just say pretty deep. When you consider that bullpen pitchers like Zack Britton (1.91 ERA, 61.1 innings) earns 13 million and Adam Ottavino (1.90 ERA, 61.1 innings) takes home 9 million then 11 million/ season for Familia to pitch 60 innings with a 5.70 era is high.

Analysis: In 2019 Familia was a victim of the free pass and the home run, typically a bad combination. Familia allowed 42 bb over 60 innings for a 6.30/9 avg and 7 homers which were a career worse. If Familia could find his control and get back closer to his career averages he could make for a nice arm in the Blue Jay’s bullpen.

Trade: To the Blue Jay’s – RHRP Jeurys Familia, 1B/DH Dominic Smith, RHP Franklyn Kilome
To the Mets – IF Logan Warmoth