Mets first baseman/outfielder Dominic Smith entered the winter looking like a prime trade candidate, but nothing has come together a few months since the team’s season ended. Perhaps Smith could still end up on the move in the coming weeks, but he’s not part of any “active trade talks” right now, Jon Heyman of MLB Network reports.
A former top-100 prospect, Smith was a letdown at the major league level from 2017-18, but his production trended in the right direction last season. The 24-year-old slashed an impressive .282/.355/.525 with 11 home runs over 197 plate appearances. He dealt with injuries, though, and came up short in the Statcast category, evidenced by a .327 expected weighted on-base average that fell 41 points shy of his actual wOBA of .368.
Defensively, most of Smith’s action last year came in the corner outfield, but the team’s overrun by options in that area. Michael Conforto, Brandon Nimmo, J.D. Davis and the returning Yoenis Cespedes are all capable of playing there. While Smith’s more of a first baseman, good luck finding at-bats in that spot with NL Rookie of the Year winner Pete Alonso holding it down.
The Mets added lefty-hitting first baseman Matt Adams on a minors contract Friday, so he might serve as a fallback option if they do trade Smith. However, with the offseason winding down, a deal could be hard to come by for the club, as some of the teams that had the worst first base situations in the game last year have addressed the position since then (the Tigers signed C.J. Cron and the Marlins added Jesus Aguilar, to name two examples).
Speculatively, clubs like the Rangers, Royals and Orioles could still make sense for Smith, though it’s unknown whether they’ve shown interest in him. It’s also no sure thing the Mets even want to give Smith up, as Tim Healey of Newsday tweets that they’ve not “felt compelled to move him.” Even if New York’s loaded with other possibilities at Smith’s positions, the fact that he’s cheap, controllable depth surely appeals to the team. Smith’s not scheduled to reach arbitration for another year, and he’ll be eligible to go through the process four times.
Could see the Pirates acquiring him and sticking him out in CF.
I’m pretty sure he hasn’t played CF in his entire life. Sorry if I didn’t read your sarcasm…
Nothing gets by you does it
Actually Dom hired an Outfield coach to help him improve on his OF routes so he could better get to the ball in hopes of catching it. He also hired a base running coach so Dom is really interested in improving whether it be as a NY Met or for some other team.
Royals seem like a good fit for the player but they won’t give up what it takes. I think he’s stuck.
First team that came to my mind also. I’d argue the marlins or O’s could go for him also. Although the both have bad hitting power bats kinda blocking him.
Clearly the Royals are the best situation for Smith. He’s a long term option to play the one spot they have no option for. However, they are currently infactuated with Jorge Soler. Given the Royals seem to consider the Jorge Soler charade a long term option, that leaves them locked into an everyday DH… which means Salvador Perez is taking rest days at 1st. As that’s the case, the Royals can just rotate guys like McBroom and Dozier through the position – making Smith a non-option.
Do I agree? No. I think the Royals should send some relief pitchers to the Mets for Smith and find someone to trade Soler to.
What did Soler do to you lol
Smith makes a lot of sense for exactly what you said, long term option. Honestly he shouldn’t cost a ton. But if I’m the Mets I aim my selling price high to improve that bullpen or even a rotation spot. Maybe even another position on the field or heck, grab some near mlb ready pitching prospect even if they are bullpen like arms
Agree he shouldn’t cost a lot. He was horrible until last year and even with a juiced ball, he couldn’t hit for power like most quality first baseman. Freddie Freeman he’s clearly not. He can certainly become a good player but I wouldn’t give up much. Older Sox fans will remember. He reminds me of a poor man’s Dave Stapleton.
He’s better than Dave Stapleton
I created an account just so I could reply to this ridiculous babble you’re spewing. First, he was consistently rated in the top 75 prospects in baseball prior to breaking into the majors. Second, he came into the majors at only 22 years old, where he proceeded to get only 310 ABs (over two seasons) prior to last season. Not nearly enough sample size to call someone horrible. Third, he hit 11 HRs in less than 200 ABs last season – and slugged .525 – while not playing everyday (something that’s crucial for young talent). That translates to 35+ HRs over a full season. Not sure where you’re coming up with the no power argument. Fourth, he was touted as a potential gold glove 1B as a prospect and is a guy that can give you a solid glove at first. Particularly now that he’s slimmed down and got more athletic. And, finally, he’s still not even 25 years old yet. If you think he’s going to be low cost then you don’t know much about baseball. Probably the only reason he hasn’t been traded yet is because BVW keeps trying to dump guys like Lowrie and Yo in the deal to get rid of their contract.
Thank you, I nearly fell out of my chair when I read that ridiculous post. I personally think it’s a mistake to trade him as he’s a future star and last year is indicative of what he can do. With the DH coming, Alonso can get time at DH and smith can easily get 450+ ab at 1b. Plus he’s supposedly a great clubhouse presence. Plus if they trade now they’ll inevitably sell low for some short term RP option which will not provide half the value smith will over the next few years.
No, it’s you who doesn’t know baseball.
First base is the least valuable position.
Smith was terrible in 17, 18.
Smith hit well in 197 at bat’s last year when I can name about 30 guys who previously sucked that had great years with the juiced ball.
Only a clueless Mets fan thinks he has good value.
Alrighty then
It’s what he can’t do. The reason most teams in the AL have dropped DH-only players is they are a liability. Their skill set is one-dimensional and lacks consistency year-to-year… and having them prevents using the DH spot for a rest day rotation position. I’m not a fan of the dedicated DH, and therefore I’m not a fan of Soler.
It’s what he can’t do. The reason most teams in the AL have dropped DH-only players is they are a liability. Their skill set is one-dimensional and lacks consistency year-to-year… and having them prevents using the DH spot for a rest day rotation position. I’m not a fan of the dedicated DH, and therefore I’m not a fan of Soler.
“…I can name about 30 guys who previously sucked that had great years with the juiced ball.”
So? Dom Smith has a track record of hitting well and playing above average defense at 1B all throughout the minors. He also did it being one of the younger players, since he came up at 22ish. As another poster noted, he’s been considered a high-level prospect, not elite, but good enough to be consistently rated in the top 100 prospects.
Dom getting jerked around and not playing in a game for a week and then getting thrown in to pinch hit is one of the hardest things to do as a major league hitter. This is a reason why some guys don’t like the DH position because they struggle to stay locked in sitting on the bench 90% of the time.
People will continue to discount Dom because he is a backup (blocked by Pete Alonso), has only been used sporadically, and he plays the least valuable position on the field bc so many bat-first guys get stuck there (or a corner OF). Dom was known for a solid glove in the minors AND he put up .a 134 OPS+ in limited time last year.
His minor league numbers were consistent. He had a .360 OBP and hit for some power. If he can keep up a 25-30+ HR rate, he’ll be an above average glove with an above avg bat. Currently he would start on at least a handful of teams, so he has value, which is why so many teams have inquired about him. They are trying to steal him from the most dysfunctional front office in the majors.
Yeah, but he would be a massive upgrade over the black hole they had at first base last year.
If Smith can learn to play an adequate left field (which is by no means a given, but theoretically possible) I think he can still find his niche with the Mets.
I’m personally skeptical that teams are prepared to give up anything of value for Smith based on his current track record.
He’s a pre-arb CJ Cron. Unfortunately there’s not much of a market.
Rockies makes sense. Perhaps a 1 for 1 deal for Jeff Hoffman in a change of scenery deal for both former top prospects.
Hoffman, really? Brinson was a top prospect as well. Brinson makes Hoffman look like a HOF’er.
Well, if he was good, then they wouldn’t need to trade him in a change of scenery deal. He still has potential, but he cannot pitch at altitude. He could blossom in the Mets ballpark.
I am wondering if MLBTR’s will call Davis “unplayable in the field”. The guy is worse than Castellanos.
Yeah, he’s dreadful. The decision between him and Smith certainly shouldn’t come down to defense.
When you have almost a 900 ops you could hide in LF
Even for a good hitter being stashed in left for lack of a better option, Davis’s defense is unsustainable.
Boston some how got by with Manny out in LF. It definitely can be done. I actually have faith that Davis will work his butt off and show up with an improved glove. He likely won’t stick at 3B, but LF/4th outfielder is very doable for 2020. I’d rather have too many guys who rake than slap hit single guys or Gallo v2.0.
Castellanos is the worst defender in baseball
Arguably.
Khris Davis, Shin-Soo Choo, JD Martinez and Domingo Santana are certainly in the convo.
But yeah, those are five players who absolutely should be DH-only, and also why the Reds blew their playoff chances, in that they have almost no plus defenders, and Senzel everyday anywhere is a better defender than Castellanos at his best..
Yea he’s actually not close to the worst at this point… he actually improved significantly last year, even by flawed sabermetric defense analytics
I dream of the Angels sending someone for him and then telling Pujols hed make a great coach
Pulling for you guys in the west this year. Good luck with Joe. He makes some iffy bullpen decisions, but is a great motivator and I think a change of scenery will be good for him. Surprised that he hasn’t brought Ben Zobrist with him to give him another veteran option with a contact oriented hit tool who is super clutch. He’d be a great bench piece for you guys
Meh, every coach tends to make questionable bullpen decisions at times..Maddon is a great teacher, motivator, and works extremely hard to try and improve as a coach.
They likely will still need a few pieces, but I think the Angels got an excellent coach, especially for a club looking to make a jump up. Best of luck to them, and hope Trout gets to see the playoffs sometime soon!!
Telling Pujols he will make a great coach while paying him 2 years and $59M?
Because he isn’t turning down that.
He also already has a 10 year “personal services” contract with Angels once the contract expires, so you contradicted yourself in that they already basically have told him he’s going to make a great coach.
You aren’t getting out this deal. Grow up.
I think the entire point was to see the Angels just eat the money on Pujols, which Smith makes possible at $600K.
The Mets would be giving him away at this point. Better to keep him for a year as a depth option.
Mets should be patient. He still has options and he is a former #1 pick. His glove is solid and he has shown flashes with the bat. He team still has control. The thing getting hurt is his development but they do not have to give him away until they get something of value.
First round pick, not #1. Taken #11.
880 ops is pretty good. If Dom repeats it, he will be worth alot more doing it twice. Till then an excellent pinch hitter is a nice piece to have
880 ops is pretty good. If Dom repeats it, he will be worth alot more doing it twice. Till then an excellent pinch hitter is a nice piece to have
I believe the Yankees checked in on him last year. May not be a bad option for the Yankees considering their somewhat competitive 1B situation and their apparent search for a longer-term option.
Yet another prospect/player overhyped by the Mets organization and many of its fans. Got Lastings Milledge?
Ignorant
Aro,
You’re right, my bad. Nimmo, Smith, and Gsellman to the Angels for Trout and Adell.
880 ops is pretty good. If Dom repeats it, he will be worth alot more doing it twice. Till then an excellent pinch hitter is a nice piece to have
880 ops is pretty good. If Dom repeats it, he will be worth alot more doing it twice. Till then an excellent pinch hitter is a nice piece to have
While the bench is over crowded in Queens…Smith is still young and may get even better….i cant see the Mets receiving fair value in a trade right now. Id live to dump Lowrie and his $10mil..but he isnt getting moved either. Its not a bad thing to have a very good bench so id guess he stays.
The only way Smith moves IMO is if he is an awesome sweetener in a blockbuster…
Rosario, Nimmo, Smith, Peterson and Vientos to Cle for Lindor, DeSheilds nd Wittgren…
This is just an off the top proposal..just what id think the type of deal Smith would need to bw involved in because fair value probably isnt out there right now
you can keep deshields. Lindor and beiber
Lollll
Lindor isn’t being traded unless Cleveland starts off 15 games in the hole….. and not for that package.
Rangers could use him. We will even take Lowrie.
Another argument in favor of having moved Davis for Marte, if that was available. When you got a young guy with some talent, leaving them on the bench is a waste.
Though the Mets would have ~$11.5m less to use at the deadline. They are run like a small market club, so they need every spare dollar in case they can actually add a guy to help them make a run in the playoffs. The Mets didn’t need another corner OF. I’m still convinced Marte will continue his rough DRS and while fast, CF is more than speed.
If Cespedes isn’t there I’d love to see Dom in LF, Conforto in CF, and Davis in RF every day. Davis hit .307 w/22 HRs. Anyone pushing him as trade bait is an idiot. Nimmo should be unloaded. Logs to see that, and Cano Sewald Familia. Adams was a dumb pickup. Gimenez can net us something; Mauricio is the future SS, especially if by free agent time Rosario is still a very good but not great player.
You can’t possibly play the outfield every night. That would be terrible to watch.
You can’t possibly play the outfield every night. That would be terrible to watch.
that’s a gross outfield. Stop please. Nimmo is staying
That would be a very good offensive outfield but it would be the worst defensive outfield in baseball.
Indians make since.
Primary DH put Bauers back at LF. Ethan Hankin or Daniel Espino would be a decent piece for the Mets.
Athletics make some sense too. Makes canha a super utility guy again if you put Smith back in the OF. Daulton Jefferies or Nick Allen
Blue Jays make sense too. Simeon Woods Richardson or Adam Kloffenstein.
A’s would not be giving up Canha at bats for Smith. Would degrade outfield defense too much as Laureano is a below average centerfielder currently. I trust with his reported work ethic he will get better. But Canha to some super sub…nuts
You aren’t getting SWR or Kloff for a marginally above replacement 1B lol
134OPS+ last year and a guy who has consistently hit in the minors, being younger than most of the competition, and still producing in 2019 despite being jerked around. He also has an above avg glove for 1B, which is where many teams hide stone hands. He is better than a marginally above replacement 1B.
Indians primary dh is now Franmil Reyes , trying to figure out how to get abs for Bauers. Not getting either one of those pitchers for smith, who would have no where to play in Cleveland. Santana at first, Reyes at dh and Bauers and Bradley both looking for at bats.
The author seems to take for granted that Cespedes will play regularly after playing 119 games since 2017. The Mets can not count on Lowrie playing regularly.
The Mets signed Jake Marisnick primarily to be the backup centerfielder. Backup corner outfielder consists of McNeil, who starts at 3rd. Lowrie can’t be counted on for regular contribution, especially after last year. Lowrie seems to be lined up to be the top backup, especially for Cano. Dominic Smith seems to be set for the primary backup first base and backup corner outfield, unless situation dictates Lowrie at third then shift McNeil to corner outfield. Lowrie has been better against southpaws, while Smith has been considerably better against right handed pitchers.
Mets will probably carry 5 starter, 8 reliever, 8 positional starters, backup catcher, Dominic Smith, Marisnick, Lowrie, and Cespedes. Obviously substitute injured or ineffective players,
Would appreciate the Mets signing another useful outfielder due to concerns about Cespedes. Hopefully someone that has ability to play all outfield positions. Cameron Maybin, Leonys Martin, Jon Jay, Charlie Tilson, and Billy Hamilton (could pinch run).
Fun fact: you actually dont need to have an elite hitter be the backup for a 1B who is going to play every single game. This is called “wasting a career” and should be banned – FREE DOM SMITH
There is a thing called injury? Having a capable back up first baseman is important, and I thought people went away from stash any position player there attitude in recent years.
You seem to think that Dominic Smith rebuilt value to the point that teams are in love with him. That the Mets will get more value by trading him. Typical forum warrior dillusion after a fruitful year while forgetting all the previous years. Pirates wanted him included free on top of the two prospects for Sterling Marte compared to the deal they settled for (two prospects that are far off).
Sterling Marte would be a nice addition to a champion ship team, or division champs from previous year to get over the top. A 30+ year old player that has slowed down and worsening fielding with only two years control for two prospects plus Dominic Smith. A player that wouldn’t play should not play a full season (400-500 plate appearances) should the rest of the team play up to expectation..
So you intend to get rid of a cheap capable backup first baseman to get value where? Mets are essentially set,even for the expanded roster. Only injuries, inability to play (Lowrie/Cespedes), or ineptitude will there be an opening.
Should (god forbid) Pete Alonso gets hurts, you want to go out and pay out the nose for a replacement down the line (pay higher salary for said player as well as acquisition costs).
Dominic Smith has only 194 games under his belt and did not have much opportunity. Currently, the Mets are set to use Dominic Smith and Cespedes in the corner outfield, and everyone knows that Cespedes has barely played in the last three years (health concern and production after so much injuries to lower leg/time off).
After one somewhat productive season (after playing in parts of 3 seasons) gives the ratio of 1-3. Should Dominic Smith end up playing more and continue to produce as last season, Mets should be able to get more with increase track record of production while filling a backup position. Mets could lose any value Dominic Smith built last season, but (again) it is not as much as some Mets fans seem to think.
Dominic Smith will turn 25 during the season, and Mets control his rights until 2025. Not even arbitration eligible until 2022., and his costs will only be considerable should he produce. No need to rush. Buy in is low to gamble on him with much higher return should he repeat this season. After waiting til now, why rush to get rid of him?
Surprised the Red Sox and Mets couldn’t work something out with a Jackie Bradley for Dom Smith framework of a deal; suppose that ship has sailed now that the Sox have re-upped Moreland.
I’ll give you eleven million reasons why the Mets wouldn’t do that…
Dom Smith for Brett Phillips should have happened a year ago and still works out to be about equal value today.
Package Dom, Lowrie,Nimmo, Adams and Baty for Bryant
First off, why would Chicago want Adams in a trade? They could have literally picked him up for nothing a few days ago… giving up Nimmo is too much robbing Peter to pay Paul. The upgrade of Bryant is too much offset by the loss of Nimmo.
Time for Farhan to take on some more salary in Lowrie and pick up Dom Smith to take over for Brandon Belt at 1st…
#TrustInFarhan
Always hurt