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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.