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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 27: Drew Smith #62 of the New York Mets reacts after a pitch he delivered to Connor Joe of the Colorado Rockies in the fourth inning during game two of a double header at Citi Field on May 27, 2021 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
The New York Mets will open up their 2026 regular season when they host the Pittsburgh Pirates on Thursday afternoon.
Despite having one of the most talented rosters in all of baseball, they are coming off a tough season where they missed the 2025 MLB playoffs.
Mets Reportedly Interested In Signing 6-Year Player
GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 13: Drew Smith #40 of the New York Mets pitches in the ninth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Citi Field on September 13, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)
Recently, veteran pitcher Drew Smith was released by the Washington Nationals.
Nationals Communications wrote (on March 21): “The Nationals have unconditionally released right-handed pitcher Drew Smith.”
The Nationals have unconditionally released right-handed pitcher Drew Smith.
Following the news, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reported that the Mets are a team with an interest signing him.
DiComo wrote: “Drew Smith, whom the Nationals released last week, has drawn interest from 15+ teams, per source — including the Mets, who have an open bullpen spot. A Met from 2018-24, Smith hasn’t pitched since Tommy John 16 months ago. But he went 5.1 IP, 0 R, 7 K this spring with the Nats.”
GettyMIAMI, FLORIDA – JUNE 24: Tomas Nido #3 of the New York Mets talks to pitcher Drew Smith #62 during the seventh inning against the Miami Marlins at loanDepot park on June 24, 2022 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images)
Smith’s MLB Background
GettyCINCINNATI, OHIO – APRIL 05: Drew Smith #33 of the New York Mets throws in the seventh inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on April 05, 2024 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Aaron Doster/Getty Images)
Smith was picked in the third round of the 2015 MLB Draft.
He has spent all six of his MLB seasons playing for the Mets.
In 2021, Smith went 3-1 with a 2.40 ERA in 31 games.
Jessica Camerato of MLB.com wrote (on March 13): “Drew Smith receives a loud ovation from Mets fans as he warms up for the Nationals.”
GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – JUNE 13: Umpire Bill Miller throws out New York Mets pitcher Drew Smith #40 for a suspicious substance on his hands before the start of the seventh inning against the New York Yankees at Citi Field on June 13, 2023 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Over 191 games, the 32-year-old has gone 12-13 with a 3.48 ERA.
Smith could be a good addition to the Mets (or a lot other teams).
Mark Zuckerman of natsjournal.com added (on March 21): “The Nationals granted RHP Drew Smith his unconditional release. Veteran reliever was in camp on minor-league deal, Nats would have had to add him to MLB roster today.”
Mets Ahead Of Opening Day
GettyPORT ST. LUCIE, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 13: Carlos Mendoza #64 of the New York Mets uses the phone during spring training workouts at Clover Park on February 13, 2026 in Port St. Lucie, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)
The Mets are coming off a year where they went 83-79 (and finished as the second-place team in the National League East).
They last made the MLB playoffs during the 2024 season when they lost to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLCS.
Ben Stinar Ben Stinar has been covering the NBA for over seven years.
He has written for OnSI, Forbes, Amico Hoops, The Big Lead and had a podcast with former All-Star Jameer Nelson. More about Ben Stinar
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