Mets trade Duda to Rays for pitching prospect

NEW YORK (AP) — The out-of-contention New York Mets started their veteran dispersal by trading first baseman Lucas Duda to the Tampa Bay Rays for minor league pitcher Drew Smith.

The 31-year-old Duda, who is eligible for free agency after the World Series, is hitting .246 with 17 homers and 37 RBIs.

“It’s one of those things. It happens,” Duda said. “Very blessed to be in the position that I am with the New York Mets. First-class organization from top to bottom. I thank them for everything they did for me, and I’m excited to join the Rays. They’re in the hunt and I think just overall excited.”

Smith, a 23-year-old righthander, was a third-round draft pick by Detroit two years ago and was dealt to Tampa Bay in April. He is 1-2 with a 1.60 ERA with seven saves in 31 games this season for four minor league teams ranging from Class-A to Triple-A.