Report: Reliever Drew Smith agrees to minor league contract with Nats

Field Level Media|published: Mon 16th February, 12:17 2026

Jun 17, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; New York Mets relief pitcher Drew Smith (33) delivers a pitch to the Texas Rangers during the ninth inning at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-Imagn Images

Former New York Mets reliever Drew Smith agreed to a minor league deal Monday with the Washington Nationals, SNY reported.

The deal includes an invitation to major league camp and is reportedly worth $1.75 million if the right-hander makes the major league roster with up to $1.25 million in performance incentives.

Smith, 32, missed the entire 2025 season following Tommy John surgery.

Smith was a third-round pick in the 2015 MLB Draft by the Detroit Tigers but played his entire major league career with the Mets from 2018-24. He appeared in 191 games (one start), posting a 12-13 record and 3.48 ERA with five saves, 77 walks and 202 strikeouts.

He threw 41-plus innings with an ERA below 4.20 each season from 2021-23.

His Tommy John procedure in July 2024 was the second of Smith's career. He also missed the entire 2019 season due to an elbow injury which required surgery.

--Field Level Media

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