Mets, Jeurys Familia agree to $4.1 million salary for 2016

The New York Mets and closer Jeurys Familia have agreed to a one-year, $4.1 million contract, according to Jon Heyman. In doing so, the two sides avoid going to an arbitration hearing. When arbitration numbers were first exchanged in mid-January, Familia requested $4.8 million with the Mets offering $3.3 million. The $4.1 million salary comes in much higher than the $3.3 million salary that MLB Trade Rumors projected earlier in the offseason.

With the $4.1 million salary for 2016, Familia becomes the highest-paid closer with just one season of closing under his belt. The previous highest salary for a closer after just one season belonged to Baltimore Orioles' Zach Britton at $3.2 million.

Familia was thrust into the closer role after incumbent Jenrry Mejia was suspended at the start of the 2015 season. The 26-year-old flamethrower flourished in his new role, tying the franchise's save record with 43 and having a stellar 1.85 ERA and 86 strikeouts in 78 innings. His 43 saves ranked third-highest among National League closers. To go along with his spectacular 2015 regular season campaign, Familia was an integral part of the Mets' postseason run, posting a 0.61 ERA with five saves in 12 appearances across 14.2 innings.

This was Familia's first year of arbitration eligibility and he is under team control through the 2018 season. He made a modest $523,925 last season.