Jeurys Familia entered free agency for the first time with a clear preference.
"I told my agent, if there's any possibility to come back (to New York)," Familia said on a conference call Wednesday. "I'm back."
That possibility came to fruition.
The Mets were interested in a reunion, and the sides agreed last week to a three-year, $30-million contract. Familia, the Mets' single-season saves record holder, will serve as newly acquired closer Edwin Diaz's setup man next season.
"I'm so excited to be back," Familia said. "I don't have words to describe right now how it feels to be back home."
Free agency offers players the opportunities to see how they are viewed by other teams and perhaps take on grander roles, but Familia opted for familiarity.
The Mets signed Familia in 2007, and he recorded 123 saves with the team before being sent to Oakland this summer with the Mets out of the postseason race. Familia said it was "tough" to be traded for the first time in his career.
Familia and his family have lived in New Jersey.
"Twelve years with the organization between minors and big leagues, it's like a family to me. That's why I'm here today," Familia said. "It doesn't matter what inning I pitch, I came back here to win and get a championship."
Familia acknowledged he would have liked to again be a closer, but he has no issues with returning to the Mets as the eighth-inning man.
The Mets acquired Diaz and Robinson Cano before they signed Familia, and the team has made it clear that Diaz, MLB's saves leader in 2018, will remain in the ninth inning.
Familia may be used in a fireman role next season in which he pitches in the highest-leverage spot prior to the ninth inning. Oakland used him as a setup man for closer Blake Treinen last season, and Familia posted a 3.13 last season.
"I just want to do my job and try to do the best I can to win games every game," Familia said. "I'm excited to have (Diaz) on the team because he's one of the best."
Familia will have a new catcher to throw to next season with the Mets on the verge of signing Wilson Ramos to a two-year deal. Familia has faced Ramos six times during his career, and now the power the veteran will bring to the lineup.
"I'm so excited. He's a really good catcher," Familia said. "It's going to be fun."
