Shots fired… Was searching for some Mets news late last night and while this certainly doesn’t qualify as news I came across the following while skimming through articles on Fox Sports. This article says that the New York Mets have popped up in some recent rumors regarding left-handed starter Drew Smyly of the Tampa Bay Rays.
President of Baseball Operations Matt Silverman is reportedly “hellbent” on getting the Rays back into contention and dealing Drew Smyly is almost a given as he could potentially earn $6.9 million via arbitration.
The Yankees are also showing interest in Smyly, and could move catcher Brian McCann to the Rays if he is willing to waive his no-trade clause. However, he may be too rich for Tampa Bay’s blood and a deal with the Mets could make more sense.
The article speculates that the Mets could acquire Smyly for catcher Travis d’Arnaud and outfielder Michael Conforto. D’Arnaud could use a change of scenery after failing to meet expectations both offensively and defensively, and he’s projected to earn $1.7 million in arbitration this Winter. Conforto could entice the Rays into dealing Smyly as he could be a solid replacement over Corey Dickerson.
Smyly, 27, had a tough season in 2016, posting a 4.88 ERA with a 1.272 WHIP over 30 starts with 167 strikeouts in 175.1 innings pitched. Over a five year career with Detroit and Tampa Bay, Smyly has a 3.74 ERA, 1.199 WHIP, 8.7 K/9 and 3.82 FIP in 156 appearances including 85 starts.
There’s going to be dozens upon dozens of rumors, buzz and speculation like this regarding the Mets over the next few months, so if you’re not into that kind of thing you may want to sit the Winter out. But for the rest of you, buckle yourselves in for what should be another fast moving hot stove season for the Mets.
Now about this article, the only thing that got my attention was the buzz that the Mets may be looking to upgrade at catcher. That’s something I wrote about on Sunday and I’m of the belief that d’Arnaud has worn out his welcome and that he’ll be dealt this offseason. That almost happened at the trade deadline but the offer was snubbed.
As for Smyly, I have no doubt that Tampa Bay will deal him, I’m just not convinced it will be to the New York Mets.
