Don’t look now, but the Tampa Bay Rays appear to be buyers heading into the trade deadline. The team has reportedly acquired slugger Lucas Duda from the New York Mets.
Source: Rays-Mets deal is done.
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) July 27, 2017
Duda, 31, has spent the first eight seasons of his career with the Mets. He put up his best performance with the team back in 2014, hitting 30 homers and driving in 92 runs. He’s hitting .246 with 17 homers and 37 RBI thus far on the 2017 season.
Duda figures to switch between first base and the two corner outfield position for the suddenly in-contention Rays.
Right-handed reliever Drew Smith is said to be heading to New York in the deal.
Sources: Rays and Mets are expected to complete a deal for DH/1B Lucas Duda. Right-handed reliever Drew Smith would head back to the Mets.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) July 27, 2017
Smith, 23, was a third-round pick of the Detroit Tigers back in 2015. He’s pitching to a 1.60 ERA and 0.91 WHIP in 31 minor league appearances this season. Smith started the year in Single-A ball and was pitching for Triple-A Durham at the time of the trade. Talk about being fast-tracked.