The Mets can always circle back on a friendlier deal, but the timing and tone of this move hint they’re prepared to redraw the bullpen map.
The New York Mets didn’t sign up for sentiment when they brought Drew Smith back. They signed up for an option. Paying him $1 million to rehab through 2025 with a $2 million decision for 2026 attached was always a calculated bet that a familiar, homegrown bullpen piece would come out the other side of Tommy John ready to contribute on a clean, cost-controlled ticket.