The New York Mets signed free-agent right-hander Chad Smith to a minor-league deal with an invitation to major-league spring training. Smith became a free agent when he refused an outright assignment to the minors with the Oakland Athletics. The 28-year-old only appeared in 10 games out of the Oakland bullpen in 2023 and wasn't effective, yielding 10 earned runs on 15 hits (two home runs) while walking seven and striking out nine in 13 2/3 innings. He made his major-league debut in 2022 with the Colorado Rockies and was even worse, posting a 7.50 ERA and 1.72 WHIP with 15 walks and 23 strikeouts in 18 relief innings. Smith also had a bloated 7.53 ERA in 35 appearances for Triple-A Las Vegas in 2023, so he's probably a long shot for much of a role with the Mets in 2024.

Oakland Athletics relief pitcher Chad Smith picked up his first win of the season in the team's 8-4 win over the Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday. Smith pitched two scoreless innings to close out the game and allowed one hit while walking none and striking out three after being called up from Triple-A Las Vegas earlier in the day. The 27-year-old right-hander made his major-league debut last year with the Colorado Rockies and allowed 15 runs on 16 hits (two homers allowed) while walking 15 and striking out 23 in 18 relief innings. He'll likely only pitch for the A's in low-leverage situations and isn't worth chasing in AL-only leagues.