
The New York Mets will open up their 2026 regular season when they host the Pittsburgh Pirates on Thursday afternoon.
Despite having one of the most talented rosters in all of baseball, they are coming off a tough season where they missed the 2025 MLB playoffs.
Mets Reportedly Interested In Signing 6-Year Player

Recently, veteran pitcher Drew Smith was released by the Washington Nationals.
Nationals Communications wrote (on March 21): “The Nationals have unconditionally released right-handed pitcher Drew Smith.”
Following the news, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reported that the Mets are a team with an interest signing him.
DiComo wrote: “Drew Smith, whom the Nationals released last week, has drawn interest from 15+ teams, per source — including the Mets, who have an open bullpen spot. A Met from 2018-24, Smith hasn’t pitched since Tommy John 16 months ago. But he went 5.1 IP, 0 R, 7 K this spring with the Nats.”

Smith’s MLB Background

Smith was picked in the third round of the 2015 MLB Draft.
He has spent all six of his MLB seasons playing for the Mets.
In 2021, Smith went 3-1 with a 2.40 ERA in 31 games.
Jessica Camerato of MLB.com wrote (on March 13): “Drew Smith receives a loud ovation from Mets fans as he warms up for the Nationals.”

Over 191 games, the 32-year-old has gone 12-13 with a 3.48 ERA.
Smith could be a good addition to the Mets (or a lot other teams).
Mark Zuckerman of natsjournal.com added (on March 21): “The Nationals granted RHP Drew Smith his unconditional release. Veteran reliever was in camp on minor-league deal, Nats would have had to add him to MLB roster today.”
Mets Ahead Of Opening Day

The Mets are coming off a year where they went 83-79 (and finished as the second-place team in the National League East).
They last made the MLB playoffs during the 2024 season when they lost to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLCS.
New York Mets Reportedly Interested In Signing 6-Year MLB Player