Oakland A’s acquire closer Jeurys Familia from Mets

OAKLAND, Calif. – After three years of missing the playoffs and dealing away fan favorites Yoenis Cespedes, Josh Donaldson and Sonny Gray, the Oakland Athletics are trying to steer themselves in the opposite direction.

They certainly took a significant step Saturday by acquiring New York Mets reliever Jeurys Familia to bolster a bullpen that includes All-Star closer Blake Treinen.

“You always want to be in this position where you’re potentially adding,” A’s manager Bob Melvin said. “We’ve had three years where it’s been just the opposite. Three weeks ago. maybe this isn’t a conversation but the way the team’s played in the last month put is in a position to be able to do something like this.”

Traditionally sellers at the deadline, the A’s overcame a slow start and are in the midst of the wild card picture in the American League.

An All-Star in 2016, Familia was 4-4 with a 2.88 ERA and 17 saves in 21 chances with the Mets this season. The 28-year-old right-hander struck out 43 and walked 14 in 40 appearances covering 40 2/3 innings.

Although the right-hander can become a free agent after this season, the A’s didn’t shy away from making the move in hopes of enhancing their playoff prospects this year.