New York Mets trade Lucas Duda to Tampa Bay Rays for pitching prospect Drew Smith

Late this afternoon the New York Mets traded veteran first baseman Lucas Duda to the Tampa Bay Rays. In exchange, the Metropolitans receive right-handed pitching prospect Drew Smith. Here’s a quick report.

Drew Smith, RHP: Smith was originally drafted by the Detroit Tigers in the third round in 2015 from Dallas Baptist University. This is his second trade of the season: he was swapped from Detroit to Tampa Bay in late April for outfielder Mikie Mahtook.

Due to the trade he’s pitched for four minor league teams this year: High-A Lakeland in the Tigers system, High-A Charlotte in the Rays system, then Double-A Montgomery and Triple-A Durham for the Rays. He’s been effective everywhere, posting a combined 1.60 ERA in 45 innings with a 40/9 K/BB and just 32 hits allowed.

Smith is listed at 6-2, 190, born September 24th, 1993. He throws hard, 93-96 MPH, with enough movement for the fastball to play higher than the radar gun reading. He also has an above-average curveball and will occasionally mix in a mediocre change-up. His control has improved this year and he could be ready for a bullpen trial soon.