Drew Smith, RHP
Player Data: Age: 30 (09/24/1993) B/T: R/R
Primary Stats: 62 G, 56 1/3 IP, 4.15 ERA, 1.402 WHIP, 60 K, 29 BB, 3 SV
Advanced Stats: 102 ERA+, 24.6% SO%, 11.9% BB%, 4.39 xERA, 4.55 FIP, 5.22 xFIP, 0.1 fWAR, 0.1 bWAR
2023 Salary: $1.3 million
Grade: D+
2023 Review
Drew Smith was expected to be part of a group at the backend of the New York Mets’ bullpen that included Edwin Díaz, Brooks Raley, David Robertson and Adam Ottavino. But as soon as Díaz went down with a torn right patellar tendon during the World Baseball Classic in March, everything changed. Robertson was given the early nod to be the team’s closer, given his previous experience in that role. The Mets had what felt like a good group of relievers at that time, but that was far from the truth.
The right-hander was good in the early going, as Smith was 1-1 with a 2.79 ERA through his first 9 2/3 innings pitched. That run was short-lived, as his numbers took a turn for the worst. Smith was 2-0 in May, but he had a 5.19 ERA and allowed two home runs across nine appearances. He failed to correct his mistakes in the month of June, pitching to a 5.40 ERA while allowing two home runs in 8 1/3 innings.
Whenever it felt like Smith was close to getting out of a big jam, he gave up a base hit or a walk. He even received a 10-game suspension following a foreign-substance check during the team’s 7-6 loss against the New York Yankees on June 13. Once he returned for suspension, his performances on the mound began to improve.
July proved to be a turning point in his season, as Smith had six scoreless appearances, including four straight to end the month. He had a season-low 8.0 SO/9 during that period, but he did not allow a single home run. While he saw a decrease in strikeouts, he was able to keep the ball in the ballpark.
Smith would finish the season inconsistently, owning a 4.09 ERA in August and a 4.66 ERA in September/October. It was a disappointing way to end 2023, especially after the way he pitched throughout July.
Drew Smith. John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports
2024 Overview
The bullpen has plenty of slots to fill beyond Edwin Díaz and Brooks Raley, two relievers who will be relied on to occupy most of the high-leverage opportunities next season. Smith, who is arbitration eligible this offseason, should come out of spring training as a candidate to be seventh-inning guy in New York, along with a few potential additions via free agency.
The Mets ranked 22nd in all of baseball with a 4.45 bullpen ERA last season, making it clear that this group needs reinforcements in that area. Díaz returning as the team’s closer will certainly help, but they will need more relievers to step up if this group wants to return to the postseason after their one-year absence.
Smith has played a big role in the Mets’ bullpen for large stretches over the last three years. In 2021, he was 3-1 with a 2.40 ERA, a career-best 168 ERA+ and a 1.065 WHIP in 31 appearances. He saw a dip but was still impressive the following season, going 3-3 with a 3.33 ERA in 46 innings.
Smith has the stuff to be a reliever with a sub-3.30 ERA, year after year. His four-seam fastball can get up to 98 mph and he has a slider that can keep opposing hitters off-balanced. He has shown glimpses of being a dominant reliever, but can he put it all together for a 162-game season. If he does in 2024, the Mets could have a much improved bullpen.
