One of the longest tenured Mets is on the move as the Rays have completed a deal for New York first baseman Lucas Duda, the clubs announced on Thursday night.
Headed to New York is right-handed reliever Drew Smith, who ranks 30th on MLB Pipeline.com's list of Rays prospects.
With the Mets sitting at 47-52 and nine games back from the second Wild Card spot, moving Duda is a logical step for a team willing to sell. The 31-year-old is a free agent after this season and currently slugging a career-high .532 with 17 home runs.
Acquiring Duda will add even more thump to a Rays lineup that ranks third in the American League in homers with 146. Since Duda has played first base exclusively since the 2015 season, he will likely work as a first baseman or designated hitter along with Logan Morrison while Corey Dickerson moves into a full-time left field role.
Outfielder Shane Peterson was designated for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster for Duda and on the 25-man roster for left-handed pitcher Dan Jennings, who was acquired earlier in the day from the White Sox.
Mark Feinsand / MLB.com
 

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