4) Drew Smith
Drew Smith may deserve an asterisk for his spot on this list. In the right deal, perhaps the Mets could still trade him. The only rumors we received this offseason about a potential Smith deal came near the non-tender deadline when the team attempted to deal him before having to offer him a contract. Nothing came of it. Smith remains in the Mets bullpen. Fans question which version will show up next season.
Trading Smith only makes sense now if the Mets replace him with someone better. He’s not making a lot of money. As a mid-bullpen arm, he’s not half bad. Swapping him for a righty with minor league options or a left-handed pitcher is one option for the Mets. With zero indication of them willing to do so, we can probably project Smith to be on the club’s Opening Day roster.
If Stearns did suddenly trade Smith, it doesn’t mean they’re punting. With the way this offseason has shaken out, we’d have to assume it’s to clear a spot for someone else. Plenty of fans would patiently wait for that corresponding move.