The New York Mets former closer, Jenrry Mejia, has been conditionally reinstated. This gives the Mets options at the trade deadline.
Former New York Mets closer Jenrry Mejia holds an interesting place in baseball history. While other players, notably Manny Ramirez, had been suspended twice for PED violations, Mejia was the first player to have three positive tests. Not only did all three tests take place within a calendar year, but he faced a lifetime ban from the majors. At just 25 years old, it was an astonishingly dumb decision.
Mejia remained active, despite that banishment. He pitched in the Dominican Winter League and the Venezuelan Winter League over the past three seasons, albeit with limited success. In his 52.1 innings over those three years, Mejia allowed 31 runs, 27 earned, on 53 hits and 30 walks, striking out 34 batters. Given his extended layoff before pitching in those leagues, one could understand the rough results.
Meanwhile, the Mets retained his rights by offering him contracts, even though he could not collect that salary due to his suspension. The hope was that, maybe one day, Mejia would be able to return. That day will come in 2019, as he has been conditionally reinstated, eligible to participate in non public workouts beginning after the All Star Break.
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While he is on his last chance, Mejia’s return gives the Mets more flexibility at the upcoming trade deadline. Between Jeurys Familia and AJ Ramos, New York has two candidates that could be considered closers by a team in need of help at the back of their bullpen. Both players are free agents after this season as well, which furthers their need to part with both relievers.
Having Mejia back also lessens the need that the Mets would have to bring back one, or both, of those relievers in free agency. The Mets have hamstrung themselves financially with their contracts to Yoenis Cespedes, Jay Bruce, and David Wright, especially as the Wilpon family is still recovering from the Bernie Madoff scam.
Of course, that presumes that Mejia can pitch as he did before his three year hiatus. He had been solid in his one year as the Mets closer, posting a 3.65 ERA while striking out 98 batters in 93.2 innings, albeit with a high 1.484 WHiP. However, in his abbreviated 2015 season, he allowed only six baserunners while striking out seven in seven innings. Mejia, if he can return to form, could be a key part of the Mets future. If the Mets want to gamble, his eventual presence could change the dynamic of the 2018 trade deadline, and their future plans for the bullpen.
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The New York Mets will get Jenrry Mejia back in 2019, if he can avoid PEDs. His eventual return could change the Mets plans at the trade deadline.