For most of spring training, it looked like Drew Smith had pitched his way onto the Nationals’ Opening Day roster. Instead, he is now looking for a new team. The Washington Nationals announced Saturday that they released the right-handed reliever, a somewhat surprising move considering how well he threw this spring and how unsettled the bullpen picture remains in Washington.
The 32-year-old signed a minor league deal with an invitation to major league camp in February as Washington looked to add veteran bullpen depth. The move made sense at the time. The Nationals bullpen struggled heavily in 2025 and the team needed experienced arms who could provide stability. Smith quickly looked like a strong candidate to make the Opening Day roster, and he backed that up with his performance this spring.
He threw 5 1/3 scoreless innings across six Grapefruit League appearances, striking out seven while allowing just two hits and two walks. Manager Blake Butera even praised Smith throughout camp, which seemed to boost the likelihood he would make the Opening Day roster. For a non-roster invitee trying to earn a bullpen spot, Smith performed as well as he could have hoped. Still, the Nationals ultimately decided to move on.
His release likely came down to roster decisions and the crowded bullpen competition. Smith’s contract included an opt-out clause if he was not added to the 40-man roster by March 21. This clause forced the Nationals to make a decision as Opening Day approached. With a large group of relievers still competing for spots, the organization may have chosen to give more opportunities to its many young arms instead of committing a roster spot to a veteran.
Still, Smith has been a productive major league reliever throughout his career. He spent his entire big league career with the New York Mets from 2018 through 2024 before becoming a free agent when the Mets declined his club option. He posted a 3.48 ERA in 192 appearances with New York. His best season came in 2021 when he recorded a 2.40 ERA, and he posted a 3.06 ERA with two saves in 19 games in 2024 before missing the 2025 season while recovering from Tommy John surgery.
Over his career, Smith posted a 24.5 percent strikeout rate and proved effective against both right-handed and left-handed hitters. In 2024, he recorded a career high 29.1 percent strikeout rate.
Smith still managed a strong spring, especially after missing all of last season while recovering from surgery. Although his time with the Nationals ended quickly, he showed he is healthy and may get another opportunity in the major leagues soon.