Jun 19, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; New York Mets relief pitcher Drew Smith (33) reacts as Texas Rangers center fielder Leody Taveras (3) runs the bases after hitting a two-run home run during the seventh inning at Globe Life Field. Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

How Drew Smith found his way back to the New York Mets

Originally posted on New York Mets on SI | By Troy Brock | Last updated Feb 17, 2025 11:03 AM ET

It was a long and arduous process, but even in the midst of rehabbing from a second Tommy John surgery, Drew Smith is glad to be back home with the New York Mets.

Despite being drafted by the Detroit Tigers, New York has been the only Major League team Smith has called home since debuting in 2018. Two separate trades took place on his journey to Queens, but the veteran has been a fan-favorite serving in the middle of the bullpen for the better part of the last decade.

"It means a lot," Smith told Mets On SI when asked about what it means to be back with the Mets. "Obviously, I've been through a couple of injuries since I've been here, two Tommy Johns, and it's the only organization I've known."

Drew Smith said he had a feeling by about Christmas Eve that he’d be back with the Mets based off convos with the team which began in October
— Pat Ragazzo (@ragazzoreport) February 17, 2025

Smith entered free agency for the first time after the 2024 campaign, rehabbing from a second Tommy John surgery after tearing his right UCL in June. It is a tough path back for any pitcher after a second TJ and an even tougher one while a free agent.

"I talked to a couple of other teams, but from the get-go, this is where I wanted to be. They made it clear that they wanted me back, and it felt really good."

The Mets and Smith agreed to a two-year, $3 million deal on February 12. Smith will earn $1 million in 2025, and it contains a club option for 2026 worth the remaining $2 million. It is a testament to the faith the team has in the reliever, paying him even though he may not see the field in 2025.

This article first appeared on New York Mets on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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