MLB teams
Alex Tekip, ESPN.com 8y

MLB Rumor Central: Multiple teams linked to Angels' Joe Smith

The last-place Los Angeles Angels could move reliever Joe Smith by the Aug. 1 non-waiver trade deadline, and more than one team appears to be considering the right-hander.

Jon Heyman of Today's Knuckleball reported Thursday that the Cleveland Indians, New York Mets, Seattle Mariners and St. Louis Cardinals are among the teams that have been linked to Smith.

Smith, 32, has a 4.08 ERA, 24 strikeouts, six saves and five holds this season. He's allowed 16 earned runs in 35 1/3 innings and has a 1.36 WHIP. ESPN's Jim Bowden ranks Smith 13th out of 14 relief pitching trade options, one spot higher than Angels closer Huston Street.

"Teams looking for a different arm angle and bullpen look should take a chance on him," Bowden writes.

Smith has past connections to three of the four teams reportedly linked to him. Prior to his current stint in Los Angeles, Smith pitched for the Indians (2009-13) and Mets (2007-08). Mariners GM Jerry Dipoto "especially loves Smith," Heyman wrote earlier this month, and extended Smith when he was GM of the Angels.

Smith is in the final year of a three-year, $15.75 million deal. He's scheduled to be a free agent at the end of the season.

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