The Mets have officially begun to tear down and give up on the 2017 season.

Much like the Yankees one year ago, retooling for a bounce-back year started in July in New York. By shipping first baseman Lucas Duda to the Tampa Bay Rays, Mets general manager Sandy Alderson raised the white flag on the present for the hope of a better tomorrow.



That tomorrow could include right-handed pitching prospect Drew Smith in a big role.

Here's what you need to know about the new Mets prospect.

Tampa's No. 30 prospect: Duda is a good hitter and can be dangerous because of immense power, but the return for a one-dimensional power-hitting first baseman isn't what it used to be--especially with free agency looming. Smith ranked as Tampa's No. 30 overall prospect, according to MLB Pipeline.

Stuff better than ranking: But don't let the ranking fool you--teams were interested in prying Smith away from Tampa Bay.

Scouting report on Drew Smith: Fastball up to 98 mph. Has late-game potential. was requested by several teams recently in #Rays talks. #Mets — Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) July 27, 2017

Future closer potential: Smith--with the ability to throw 98 MPH--could profile as a big-time bullpen option in the future for the Mets.

Source says Drew Smith, going to Mets for Duda, has "really good arm," throws mid-to-upper 90s. Teams wanted him despite rank in TB Top 30. — Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) July 27, 2017

Production in minors: Smith's career minor league ERA is 1.83. The third-round pick of Detroit in 2015 has produced at every level.

Strikeouts and command: This kind of combination will play at any level. Since entering professional baseball in 2015, Smith's SO/9 rate is 10.1 and walk rate 2.7. If Smith can continue to strike out more than a batter per inning and walk less than three per nine innings, an effective reliever can eventually arrive to the Mets.

Joe Giglio may be reached at jgiglio@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JoeGiglioSports. Find NJ.com on Facebook.