The New York Mets added another potentially big piece by trading for Oakland Athletics closer Tyler Clippard on Monday. Clippard is 1-3 with a 2.79 ERA in 37 appearances this year. He has 17 saves and 38 strikeouts in 38.2 innings pitched.
Here is what the trade looks like:
This gives the Mets another late inning option. It has to make incumbent Jeurys Famillia more than a little nervous. Familia blew two saves over the weeknd, but for now the club is insisting that Clippard is a setup man and not the closer. That could change if Familia’s struggles continue.
Familia managed to keep the role even when Bobby Parnell returned earlier this month. Parnell is 1-1 with one save and a 2.70 ERA on the season despite a 1.35 WHIP. Those are not numbers that instill a lot of confidence.
Familia is still worth hanging on to as well until he officially loses the job. Familia should be good for at least a handful of saves since the Mets likely won’t replace him unless he gives them a reason.
Away Back Gone
In standard leagues, it is probably still a good idea to hang on to Clippard to see how this situation plays out. Familia has a 5.06 ERA since the All Star Break. Parnell’s is a horrid 6.23 in that span. I am guessing that their leashes are going to be exceptionally short now that Clippard is in town.
Clippard has only been the closer in three of his nine major league seasons, so he has the ability to pitch in setup roles as well. He has 51 career saves and 150 career holds. That kind of versatility is likely what made the Mets want him in the first place to shore up the back of their bullpen.
Meanwhile in Oakland, the closer situation is now in flux. Both Edward Mujica and Dan Otero have some experience closing, but neither of them have pitched well this year. Mujica has a 4.13 ERA and Otero’s is at 5.74. Eric O’Flaherty has also been mentioned as an option to close, but his ERA sits at 5.57. Fernando Abad has the best ‘pen ERA at 3.76 in 26.1 innings pitched.
Sean Doolittle has yet to face live batters in his rehab assignment, so help is far off. Only pick up Mujica, Otero, or O’Flaherty if you are desperate for saves, or in a league that also counts holds. The potential is great for them to do more harm than good.
Casey Meisner is a 6’7″ righty that was a third round pick of the Mets in 2013 out of high school. He was 10-4 with a 2.35 ERA with two high-A teams so far this year. He is the third pitching prospect that the Mets have dealt in the last four days, but Meisner might end up being the best one. That said, he still won’t have an impact on your fantasy team for at least another two years, maybe more.
Stay tuned to Fantasy CPR for the fantasy impacts of all of the deadline deals. We are off to a great start so far!
Next: Is Johnny Cueto Still A Fantasy Ace With The Royals?
More from FanSided
- Joe Burrow owes Justin Herbert a thank you note after new contract
- Chiefs gamble at wide receiver could already be biting them back
- Braves-Red Sox start time: Braves rain delay in Boston on July 25
- Yankees: Aaron Boone gives optimistic return date for Aaron Judge
- MLB Rumors: Yankees-Phillies trade showdown, Mariners swoop, India goes to Seattle