Mets Trade Lucas Duda to Rays

The Mets fire sale has begun — Lucas Duda has been traded to the Tampa Bay Rays. In return, the Mets get a minor league reliever named Drew Smith.

Thus ends what has to be a disappointing Mets career. Duda came up with great promise and while he had a couple of good seasons, he battled injuries and inconsistent play for much of his time in Flushing. In eight seasons he hit 125 home runs but hit just .246

In Smith, the Mets get a 23-year-old reliever with a 1.80 ERA in three minor league seasons. He is averaging more than a strikeout per inning.

So, so long Lucas Duda. He won’t be the first familiar name to be shown the Citi Field door in the days ahead.