The Mets announced they have re-signed the former closer to a one-year contract.
The New York Mets and reliever Bobby Parnell have come to terms on a one-year contract for the 2015 season, avoiding salary arbitration. The contract will be worth $3.7 million, the exact same salary he was paid for 2014, according to ESPN New York. Parnell made only one appearance for the Mets in 2014 before undergoing Tommy John surgery to repair his torn UCL in April.
In Parnell's absence as closer, Jenrry Mejia stepped in and did an effective job for New York last season. After being sent to the bullpen from the starting rotation in 2014, Mejia posted a 2.72 ERA, converting 28 of 31 possible save opportunities and striking out 60 batters in 56.1 innings. Mejia's success in the ninth inning doesn't necessarily mean that Parnell won't be handed back his closing job when he is reactivated for the 2015 season.
The 30-year-old Parnell's addition to the bullpen could, however, give the Mets a three-headed monster along with Mejia and Jeurys Familia that would be similar to the 2014 Kansas City Royals bullpen. Parnell had a 2.16 ERA and 22 saves in 2013. If healthy next season, he could help turn New York's bullpen into a legitimate weapon.