Minnesota Twins right-hander Drew Smith is opting out of his minor league contract, MLB Trade Rumors reported Friday, citing Robert Murray of FanSided.
The move gives the Twins a short decision window: add Smith to the major league roster or let him become a free agent in the coming days. MLB's player record lists Smith as a right-handed pitcher with Triple-A St. Paul, Minnesota's affiliate.
Smith Opt-Out Tests Twins Bullpen Depth
Smith, 32, is trying to work back from Tommy John surgery with internal brace augmentation in 2024. MLBTR reported that he missed the 2025 season after the Mets re-signed him to a one-year, $1 million deal with a $2 million club option for 2026, then declined the option.
He signed a minor league deal with Washington before the 2026 season, opted out before Opening Day and later landed with Minnesota. With Triple-A St. Paul, Smith has thrown 24 2/3 innings with a 4.74 ERA, according to MLBTR.
The earlier version of Smith is why the opt-out has some market logic. From 2021 through 2024 with the Mets, MLBTR credited him with 161 1/3 bullpen innings and a 3.35 ERA, along with a 24.5% strikeout rate.
Free Agency Could Come Within Days
Minnesota's bullpen context matters. MLBTR reported that the Twins' relief corps had a 5.12 ERA, last in the majors, at the time of the opt-out report. Smith's own strikeout rate at St. Paul, listed at 17.4%, has been below his prior major league level.
That leaves a practical roster choice rather than a guaranteed promotion. If the Twins do not clear a spot, Smith can return to the open market and look for another club willing to bet on his post-surgery rebound.