Mets give green light to Familia and Cabrera for winter league play

The Mets have reportedly given Jeurys Familia and Asdrubal Cabrera permission to play baseball in the winter leagues. This makes the players’ hopes for World Baseball Classic action more likely.

According to a report from Newsday’s Marc Carig, the Mets have reached out to their closer Jeurys Familia, and shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera and given them the okay to play this winter.

Earlier in the week, Mets general manager Sandy Alderson expressed a bit a reluctance about the possibility of these two guys playing baseball down south during the offseason. Given the chance of an injury occurring – like the one Juan Lagares suffered not too long ago – it’s understandable the Mets would be a bit hesitant to let two of their most important players risk it.

It seems the Mets’ brass has changed their mind in this aspect now though. Maybe after speaking to Cabrera and Familia, the organization felt like it was a good idea to let them get some extra work in.

Asdrubal Cabrera was nursing a knee injury throughout the 2016 season. Thankfully, this nagging injury required no surgery, so it seems that Asdrubal is back to 100%. Cabrera has played two games in his home country of Venezuela’s winter league. His first start was on Thursday, followed by another game Friday night. He’s gone 0 for 7 with a walk over those two starts.

Jeurys Familia, on the other hand, is planning to play in Dominican Republic this winter before the World Baseball Classic kicks off. After his simple assault charge was dropped earlier in the week, Familia is still awaiting for a decision from MLB about a possible suspension. His attorney seems to think the Mets closer could avoid be sidelined, but until that’s an official decision, it’s really all still possible.

Also of the note is the fact that 2016 Mets breakout starter, Seth Lugo, has plans to also play in the World Baseball Classic. Lugo would be representing his native Puerto Rico in the Classic. The Mets have also given him permission, and although it hasn’t been announced yet, Puerto Rico is expected to add him to the roster at some point.