The New York Mets are set to kick off their 2026 season on Thursday afternoon, hosting the Pittsburgh Pirates at Citi Field.
After a disappointing 2025 campaign that saw them miss the playoffs, the Mets are entering the year with one of baseball’s most talented rosters.
Recently, veteran right-handed pitcher Drew Smith was released by the Washington Nationals. According to Nationals Communications on March 21, Smith was “unconditionally released,” making him a free agent once again.
Following the announcement, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reported that the Mets are among the teams showing interest in signing him.
Smith, a former Met from 2018–2024, hasn’t pitched since undergoing Tommy John surgery 16 months ago but impressed this spring with 5.1 scoreless innings and seven strikeouts while pitching for the Nationals.
Smith, drafted in the third round of the 2015 MLB Draft, spent all six of his MLB seasons with the Mets. Over 191 career games, the 32-year-old reliever has posted a 12-13 record with a 3.48 ERA. His best season came in 2021, when he went 3-1 with a 2.40 ERA in 31 appearances.
With the Mets in need of bullpen depth, Smith could be a valuable addition to the team—or any club looking for experienced relief pitching.
The Mets, coming off an 83-79 season and a second-place finish in the National League East, last reached the playoffs in 2024, falling to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLCS, and will look to start 2026 on a strong note.
