The final week of Spring Training is often defined by difficult roster decisions as front offices trim their squads down to the mandatory 26-man limit. On Saturday, the Washington Nationals release Drew Smith, signaling a shift in their bullpen strategy just days before the 2026 MLB season officially gets underway. The veteran right-hander had been competing for a spot in the relief corps as a non-roster invitee.
The news that the Washington Nationals release Drew Smith comes after the pitcher joined the organization on a minor league contract in February. Smith, 32, was attempting to make a major league comeback after a lengthy rehabilitation process. While he entered camp reportedly healthy, the roster crunch in West Palm Beach ultimately led the Nationals to move in a different direction with their relief options.
The Impact of the Decision to Have the Washington Nationals Release Drew Smith
By making the move to have the Washington Nationals release Drew Smith now, the organization provides the veteran reliever with a window of opportunity to latch onto another club before Opening Day. For Washington, the decision suggests a high level of confidence in their current internal options and other non-roster candidates who remain in camp.
The Nationals' bullpen has been under reconstruction as the team looks to find stability in the late innings. Moving on from a veteran with Smith's experience indicates that the coaching staff may be leaning toward younger, high-velocity arms or pitchers who showed more consistency during the exhibition schedule. Smith’s departure narrows the field of candidates for the final two or three spots in the Washington relief unit.
A Long Road Back from Tommy John Surgery
The release is a particularly tough break for Smith, who has spent the last 20 months focused on returning to a major league mound. Smith missed the entire 2025 season while recovering from his second career Tommy John surgery. The procedure, performed in July 2024, also included an internal brace—a modern technique designed to add stability to the repaired ligament.
Before the injury occurred in 2024, Smith was putting together a strong campaign with the New York Mets. In 19 appearances that year, he maintained a 3.06 ERA and recorded two saves, looking every bit the high-leverage weapon he had been in previous seasons. However, the elbow injury interrupted his momentum and led to his eventual free agency after the Mets declined his contract option.
Drew Smith’s Major League Pedigree
Despite the release, Smith remains a proven commodity in the National League East. Prior to his stint with Washington, he was a fixture in the New York Mets' bullpen, known for a mid-90s fastball and a sharp slider. His career statistics demonstrate his ability to miss bats and handle pressure situations:
- Career ERA: 3.48
- Total Appearances: 191
- Strikeouts: 202
- Innings Pitched: 176.1
- Career WHIP: 1.25
Smith’s most notable statistical season came in 2022, when he posted a career-high 53 strikeouts across 46 innings. He also earned a place in baseball history on April 29, 2022, when he contributed to a combined no-hitter against the Philadelphia Phillies, pitching 1.1 perfect innings in relief of Tylor Megill.
What is Next for the Veteran Right-Hander?
Now that the Washington Nationals release Drew Smith, the pitcher returns to the free-agent market. Given the universal need for experienced relief pitching, it is unlikely he will remain unsigned for long. Teams looking for veteran depth on minor league deals or those dealing with late-spring injuries may see Smith as a low-risk, high-reward addition.
For Smith, the goal remains the same: proving that his arm can withstand the rigors of a 162-game schedule after two major elbow surgeries. While his time in the Nationals' organization was brief, his health during the spring suggests he is ready for game action. As for Washington, the focus remains on finalizing the roster that will head north to start the season, prioritizing health and performance over veteran status.
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