Marlins send reliever AJ Ramos to Mets for 2 prospects
SEATTLE (AP) -- The New York Mets have acquired reliever A.J. Ramos from the Miami Marlins for a pair of prospects: Class A pitcher Merandy Gonzalez and outfielder Ricardo Cespedes.
New York is seeking stability in a bullpen that's been a mess since the loss of Jeurys Familia, who served a domestic violence suspension at the start of the season and then got hurt. The Mets have blown 13 of 36 save opportunities entering Friday's game in Seattle and rank 26th in the major leagues in bullpen ERA at 4.81
Ramos, a 30-year-old right-hander, was an All-Star in 2016 and this year is 2-4 with 20 saves and a 3.63 ERA in 40 appearances for the Marlins. Ramos is a proven closer with 92 saves in the past three years and a career ERA of 2.78.
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He has a $6.55 million salary and is eligible for free agency after the 2018 season.
Mets reliever Addison Reed, closing in Familia's absence, is eligible for free agency and has been the subject of trade rumors.
The Marlins' breakup of their bullpen began last week when they traded right-hander David Phelps to Seattle for four prospects, including highly regarded outfielder Brayan Hernandez.
Miami is likely to miss the playoffs for the 14th season in a row, the longest drought in the National League.
