New York Mets: Hidden free agent bullpen gems still on the market

RHP Joe Smith

2016 Season stats – 52.0 IP, 6 SV, 3.46 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, 18 BB/40 K

[dropcap]J[/dropcap]oe Smith not only has the most bland name ever conjured up by a parent, he was also drafted by the Mets in the third round of the 2006 draft. By 2007, the submariner was in Queens, where he spent two seasons.

During that time, he produced a 3.51 ERA and 97 strikeouts over 107.2 innings pitched. But then he was traded to the Cleveland Indians, with the Mets receiving mainly relievers Sean Green and J.J. Putz in return for him.

Since then, Smith has had a very prosperous career, garnering a 2.93 ERA, along with 0.6 HR/9 and 7.5 K/9 rates.

A move by Alderson to sign him would mark the second triumphant return for an ex-Met back to New York in two years, as Jose Reyes very vocally has been happy with his decision to come back.

The Mets haven’t had a consistently used submariner since Chad Bradford in 2006. So Smith’s unique arm angle and experience closing games – as he has 29 career saves – would help freshen up the bullpen with some new blood.

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