The New York Mets and the Los Angles Angeles are talking about a possible trade that would center around veteran right-handed pitcher Joe Smith, this according to Marc Craig of Newsday. While closer Houston Street is also being thrown into the discussions, it does not appear as if he is drawing much interest from the Mets as Joe Smith is gaining.
Smith who is 32 years old is in the final year of his three-year deal with the Angeles. His overall stats have been below his normal standards for the last two years; he has even struggled in 2016. The 2016 stats for Joe Smith are a 3.96 ERA with a 5.9 K/9 against his 3.2 BB/9. These numbers are below his regular numbers, and he has missed some time in the 2016 season due to a hamstring injury.
However, recently he has turned his stats up as he has had seven straight scoreless appearances. What is interesting though is he has not recorded a strikeout or a free pass in his last six starts. He has gotten his ground-ball rate up greatly as it is now up to 54.5% as that is what he typically has during a season.
Joe Smith has some ties to the New York Mets team as they were the ones who drafted in 2006. Several relief pitchers are being linked to the Mets organization like Joe Smith and Jim Johnson to name a few. The Mets need help in the bullpen as it has been one of the sour points for them this season as they fight for a playoff spot.