New York Mets: Setting some expectations for rookie Drew Smith

What can we expect from New York Mets rookie pitcher Drew Smith this season and beyond?

The New York Mets recently promoted Drew Smith to the big league roster. Even though he doesn’t carry with him the same cache as other Mets pitchers in the minor league system, he’s a notable arm to watch. He’s also one of several pitchers the Mets need to step up and fix this bullpen.

Nearly a year ago, the Mets dealt Lucas Duda to the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for Smith. It didn’t seem like a huge deal. Smith isn’t a prospect to get overly excited about.

However, I do think there’s something to be said about how well the Rays develop young arms. They are constantly calling up pitchers from the minor leagues with promise. Many are successful, too.

Smith spent only a brief time in the Rays’ system. Originally a product of the Detroit Tigers, Smith put together several productive years on the farm. His 2.02 ERA overall is just one of the statistics which could hint at how well he may perform in the big leagues.

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Credit shouldn’t go solely to the Rays and their ability to create talent. Smith was good before he joined their organization. He was talented after he left, too.

Prior to the promotion, Smith spent the majority of his 2018 campaign with the Las Vegas 51s in Triple-A. In a league where hitters dominate, he managed to survive with a 3.00 ERA.

Interestingly enough, the 3.00 ERA with Las Vegas this year is the worst he has finished the season with on any particular team. This total could always change if he’s demoted again. The likelihood of that could fade depending on how well he pitches.

The organization seems ready to let the kids pitch. Hansel Robles was designated for assignment and AJ Ramos will miss the rest of the season with an injury. Spots are there. All Smith needs to do is continue to get outs regularly.

In his MLB debut, Smith pitched a clean inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers. He picked up his first big league strikeout while walking a pair.

Next: Who will the Mets trade first this summer?

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Smith is one of multiple lesser prospects the organization acquired in last summer’s sell-off. Where others have failed, it would be nice to see Smith succeed.