Mets lose free agent they were interested in to lousy AL team

The New York Mets know that they'll need pitching throughout the season, and it almost came in the form of a reunion with a player who was on the roster from 2018 to 2024. 

According to Anthony DiComo of MLB.com, right-hander Drew Smith drew interest across the league after being released by the Washington Nationals, and the Mets were one of the teams in the mix.

“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,” DiComo reported.

Smith hasn’t pitched in a Major League game in over a year following Tommy John surgery. However, he proved in the prior six seasons that he has above-average stuff, and considering he was in the league for that long, there's reason to believe a contending team like the Mets would be interested.

Despite that reality, Smith took a deal with the Minnesota Twins, according to Dan Hayes of The Athletic.

There was still risk, of course. Anytime a team is dealing with a pitcher coming off Tommy John surgery, it's fair to wonder how they'll look. However, the upside is there, and clearly, the Twins know that.

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