3 relief pitcher trades to replace Drew Smith's roster spot

Drew Smith got off to an unbelievable start this season for the New York Mets, not allowing a run in his first 13.1 innings pitched (12 appearances). Since that start, things have been rocky, but the one constant was he stayed healthy, something he had not done in any of his other years in the bigs.

Unfortunately, Smith has found himself on the shelf once again, this time with a right lat strain. The Mets have not given a timeline for his return, but I would assume Smith will be on the IL past the minimum 15 days.

The Mets bullpen was shaky even with Smith healthy and now with him out, the need for bullpen arms is as prevalent as ever.

1) NY Mets trade to replace Drew Smith on the roster: David Robertson

David Robertson is the reliever I want at the deadline the most. He's had a resurgent season in Chicago and wouldn't cost much given his age and the fact that he's a free agent after the season.

Robertson didn't sign with the Cubs until after the lockout, and he wasn't even on a roster for much of last season until Tampa Bay signed him following Tommy John surgery.

The 37 year old has gone 3-0 with a 1.83 ERA in 35 appearances for the Cubs this season. He has converted 14 of his 19 save opportunities and even has eight outings in which he has accumulated more than three outs.

Robertson wouldn't be the closer for this Mets team of course, but he'd be an elite setup man for Edwin Diaz. Adam Ottavino has been excellent, but other than him, it's been hard to find an arm Buck Showalter can trust late in games to set up for Diaz.

Robertson set up for Mariano Rivera back in the day with the Yankees and did a great job with that. His proven success in New York is yet another reason he'd be such a good fit with the Mets.

Robertson spent seven seasons in the Bronx and that meant a lot of postseason appearances. In 33 appearances he has posted a 3.11 ERA, faring well in big moments. Given most of this Mets bullpen has not seen playoff action, it'd be nice to have a seasoned vet to help calm the nerves.

Robertson's price will be cheap, and he'd be the perfect addition to this Mets bullpen.

2) NY Mets trade target to replace Drew Smith on the roster: Michael Fulmer

Another reliever who will likely be traded before the deadline is former Met farmhand Michael Fulmer. When the Mets made their push for the NL pennant in 2015, Fulmer was the key piece in the trade that landed the Mets Yoenis Cespedes. Going full circle with Fulmer could be something special.

After struggling the last couple of years as a starter, Fulmer made the transition to the bullpen in 2021. It's been smooth sailing from there, and he's enjoying his best campaign as a reliever this season.

He's gone 3-4 with a 2.84 ERA in 39 appearances for the Tigers this season. Fulmer has been the primary set up man for closer Gregory Soto and has flourished in that role, with 17 holds and just three blown saves.

Fulmer has dominated against righties, holding them to a .122/.232/.134 slash line with just one extra base hit (a double) allowed in 95 plate appearances. Fulmer has struggled against lefties as they've posted an .837 OPS against him, but he'd succeed in the role Smith was used in.

Fulmer excels at limiting hard contact, ranking in the 99th percentile in barrel rate according to baseball savant. He might not be the hard thrower he used to be, but he's found success in his new niche.

Like Robertson, Fulmer is a free agent after this season so his price tag won't be too crazy. He'd be an upgrade over Drew Smith at this moment and would provide a big boost for the Mets 'pen.