NEW YORK -- Despite a pair of performance-enhancing drug suspensions that cost Jenrry Mejia nearly all of last season, the Mets will "likely" tender their former closer a contract for 2016, according to a source. The team has not commented on the decision.
Mejia, 26, will not be eligible to return from suspension until July 28. He missed 80 games last season following a positive test for stanozolol, returned for less than three weeks, then was suspended again and served the first 62 games of his current 162-game levy.
The Mets could have severed ties with Mejia at the time of his second suspension, but general manager Sandy Alderson cited his desire to avoid making a rash decision.