Mets Decline $2 Million Option for Reliever Drew Smith After Second Tommy John Surgery

The New York Mets have declined their $2 million option on right-handed reliever Drew Smith for the 2026 season. Smith, 32, had signed a one-year deal with the team option in February 2025, following his second Tommy John surgery. In 2024, Smith posted a 3.06 ERA and 1.52 WHIP with 23 strikeouts over 17.2 innings in 19 games for the Mets. His season concluded after a June 23 appearance, leading to another Tommy John surgery with an internal brace procedure on July 13. Smith has spent his entire big league career with the Mets since his 2018 debut, accumulating a 3.48 ERA and 1.27 WHIP across 196.1 innings in 191 appearances. The Mets face significant bullpen reconstruction this offseason.