Mets first baseman/outfielder Dominic Smith has been an obvious change-of-scenery candidate for months, and Robert Murray of FanSided reports that the Cubs and Red Sox are among the teams to have recently spoken to the Mets about the 27-year-old.
It’s been a season to forget for Smith, who opened the year in a bench role that gave him limited playing time before he was optioned to Triple-A on May 31. Smith received 101 plate appearances over the season’s first two months, starting 22 of the team’s first 40 games — including just 13 of the Mets’ 29 games in May. Along the way, he struggled to a .186/.287/.256 batting line, losing more and more time to fellow DH candidate J.D. Davis.
Upon being optioned to Syracuse, Smith appeared in 15 games and turned in a .266/347/.438 batting line with a pair of homers, five doubles and three steals in 72 trips to the plate. He was summoned back to the big leagues in late June and has batted .208/.255/.333 in 51 plate appearances since — again seeing sparse playing time as a part-time option off the bench. He’s played in 19 games since returning but only played a complete game on nine occasions.
This is the second straight season in which Smith has struggled, though he acknowledged back in Spring Training that he played through a small tear in the labrum of his right shoulder during the 2021 season. That surely played a role in Smith’s lackluster .244/.304/.363 showing last season — particularly when comparing that output to the robust .299/.366/.571 slash he posted in 396 plate appearances from 2019-20.
Smith’s trade value is at a low point, given the consecutive poor seasons at the plate and minimal defensive value. He’s improved his glovework at first base in recent years but is miscast as a left fielder. Still, Smith is a former first-round pick (No. 11 overall in 2013) and multi-time top-100 prospect who, from 2019-20, looked to be well on his way to solidifying himself as a middle-of-the-order presence in Queens. Pete Alonso’s emergence understandably cut into his opportunities, however, and Smith’s playing time was further cut down this season when the Mets added Eduardo Escobar, Mark Canha and Starling Marte to an already crowded infield/outfield mix.
There’s some sense to both Boston and Chicago as potential fits for Smith, who is earning $3.95MM in 2022 and has two seasons of club control remaining beyond the current campaign. The Red Sox have seen Bobby Dalbec’s sky-high strikeout rates catch up to him as his 2020-21 batting average on balls in play has come back down to earth, and they could lose J.D. Martinez to free agency at season’s end. Franchy Cordero, meanwhile, got out to a decent start at first base in his latest big league look but has faltered since the calendar flipped to July. Cordero, Dalbec and top prospect Tristan Casas give the Sox some options at first and at DH beyond the 2022 season, but Smith is a sensible enough buy-low candidate to add to the mix.
Over at Wrigley Field, the Cubs have received poor production from both Frank Schwindel and Alfonso Rivas. The Cubs surely hoped that they’d unearthed a diamond in the rough after Schwindel erupted with an out-of-nowhere .342/.389/.613 slash and 13 homers in 56 games with them down the stretch in ’21, but Schwindel is hitting just .238/.283/.383 in a similar sample size this season. Rivas, meanwhile, is at .236/.313/.323 in his first extended big league audition. The Cubs have been threading the needle between rebuilding and also trying to add some interesting long-term pieces (e.g. Seiya Suzuki, Marcus Stroman), and Smith would align with that type of addition.
Given Smith’s pedigree and the production he displayed in 2019-20, it’s likely that other clubs will check in, hoping that a more consistent role might bring about a return to form. Smith hasn’t outwardly requested a trade from the Mets, but he’s also been candid when asked by reporters about the possibility of a trade, stating that while he loves the Mets organization, his goal is to be an everyday player — wherever that might be.
Cubs can have him. We need someone at first who can field the position
He can field, he can’t hit. Hitting is somewhat important to the game of baseball
Not if you are a catcher league ave 223
He hit 244 last year bill m shatter butt
My bad. Obviously he’s tearing it up.
Better put by u would be obviously he was tearing it up. It’s just a game buddy 😉
Makes sense
He’s a very good fielding first baseman. He had a few bumps in the road but a huge chunk of his value has always been plus plus defense. Even if he hasn’t quite lived up to that hype he certainly can field the position.
Very good defensive 1st baseman, which gets overlooked because he’s a subpar outfielder.
Dom’s defense like everything else with him is greatly exaggerated.
From what I’ve seen he’s Bobby Dalbec from left side but without his power. Booby’ s been fine at first for the most part but simply can’t hit a big league fast ball
He’s an above average fielder.
@redsoxxx
Dom might be the best fielding 1b we’ve had since Olerud. His glove work saves throwing errors again and again.
Dom needs consistent playing time and close monitoring of his sleep apnea. Forget ‘splits’, he hits lefties better than righties when he’s going well. That big green monster would ‘fix’ Dom quick.
Plus, great attitude and team player. He needs a fresh start and I personally hope he gets it in Fenway.
1) 1b is the least important defensive position besides pitcher. Its where youre shifted to if you suuck defensively everywhere else.
2) He got ‘consistent playing time’ in 2021 (493 PAs). His OPS was .667. That should blow that theory out of the water
3) His only really good season was 2020, when the entire league was using Triple A pitchers, due to a virus of unknown origin. Seems like your typical AAAA player to me.
From the multiple posts Ive read here, Mets fans really think this guy is special. One of the posters even compared him to Anthony Rizzo. Yet, none are saying they should keep him. Thats sending up huge Red Flags.
I hope the Red Sox stay clear of this bag of rocks. Seems like your typical AAAA player to me. They already have their maximum allotment of Franchy’s.
Smith is pretty likely to be better than Franchy on the glove alone.
First off this season is gone. Smith isn’t going to change that, nor should they try to bring in bigger talent either.
Secondly, I meant as in they both supposedly have unlocked potential, but fit the career AAAA type player much better. They both will be 28 years old next year, and will need a 40 man roster spot come December. Any trade that doesnt bring in a much better player shouldn’t be done. Red Sox stand to lose player(s) in the Rule V Draft, I’d rather hold on the the 22yo player with potential over another Franchy.
Sleep apnea saps you of all energy I too suffer from it. Because of it I need a pot of coffee a day just to really wake the hell up. The masks you wear using a C-Pap machine are so damn uncomfortable many of us just choose to suffer.
Huh? You came here to make one comment about sleep apnea, then leave? Is that you AL34?
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Dude is broken. Maybe a change of scenery helps him. I dont think they will get anything worth anything back.
Dom Smith for David Robertson, straight up. Set up man for Diaz. Or rotate DR thru the 7th and 8th with Drew Smith and Adam Ottovino. Keep Lugo for 6th or longer stretches.
I’d say Mychal Givens would be more realistic. Smiths value is miniscule.
If I’m the Mets I’d take Robertson or Givens straight up for Smith, in a heartbeat. I don’t see either one of those happening. Besides, the Mets need a lefty in the pen
That’s an interesting one. I would assume Robertson would have more value because of the success he’s having, but he’s no spring chicken. He would really solidify that pen.
The problem with most pitchers today is the power it takes causes injuries and/or them to have nothing left by September. Robertson though might be an exception. Would love to see him in Boston in two weeks (in the home dugout) but for some reason I expect him back in the Bronx.
Lugo’s not bad unless you try to pitch him 2 days in a row – see his game splits.
LOL
Smith for J D
He’s got 1500 at bats and has been worth 0 war he’s terrible
Wow as a Mets fan im not loving this
why not?
I’m just not buddy
He just got put on the IL lol!! He ain’t getting traded smh how is this site so behind on news
Keep in mind that Boston traded for Schwarber last season while he was on the IL, so if the injury is minor, it shouldn’t prevent a deal from happening especially given that he is controllable for multiple seasons. Schwarber was a pure rental and still found a new home while hurt last year.
Whoa, Schwarber had a 146+ OPS at the time, there was a nice payoff if he came back healthy. No ones going to gamble on an injured guy with a 61+ OPS. If they wanted him for next season they’d just wait until the offseason.—- Add on note, I can’t find any information on him being injured. Is that true?
You’re responding like the Mets are asking for Devers. It could be a simple move to different scenery situation for Smith and the Mets look for nothing but maybe a minor leaguer. And I don’t think the Sox are looking for Smith to be the savior either, but rather another option just in case.
Im not asking like the Mets are asking for Devers. Im acting like a ball of used baseballs is too much. Red Sox have enough guys meddling talented people on the roster, and plenty of prospects. This guy wont warrant a 40 man roster spot come Dec.
Chicken: Schwarber had a hamstring injury last year. Google schwarber hamstring and it will come up.
Would rather they try TC when he’s healthy regardless of how he’s done in 22.
all in the suit:
I said “Schwarber had a 146+ OPS at the time, there was a nice payoff if he came back healthy.” What part of ‘if he came back healthy’ didnt you get?
Chicken: and then you said about Schwarber in the same post: “Add on note, I can’t find any information on him being injured. Is that true?” So, I tried to help you out by telling you Schwarber had a hamstring injury. I don’t see what I misunderstood. Maybe you were talking about Dominic Smith’s recent injury.
I was talking about Dominic Smith’s injury. hence the present tense (is he injured vs was he injured) All good though, I see where you were coming from.
Smith for Stroman. A happy homecoming! I’m obviously kidding.
I’d love to see Stroman spin off the planet if that happened.
Can’t imagine he nets much of a return at this point. His power has been nonexistent
Yea not good for a first baseman at all
A reliever, perhaps. Not a very good one.
I’m not sure how much value Dom Smith would bring to Boston. It’s one thing to have a bad year but two in a row is much more concerning. If Boston feels like they are out of it, then I could see them trading JD Martinez to the Mets for the stretch run and getting Dom Smith and a decent prospect back in return. If the Sox are looking to buy at the deadline, they need to set their sights much higher than Dom Smith. The ideal candidate would be Josh Bell.
smith and a decent prospect for JD any day Mr Red Sox. Make it happen
Never happen. The Sox will not concede given the extra wild card. If JDM is traded, it will be for pitching and prospects, neither of which Smith is. He’s not old but certainly is not considered a prospect today.
Personally, I want Christian Walker of the D-Backs, because he’s not a rental. I’d be fine with Bell, and Smith can be a fallback option.
@average
I’d rather see a lefty reliever with post season experience or a veteran super utility player that can move around the IF and OF giving guys days off. One who can actually hit similar to how Villar helped us last year.
I’ve been thinking all along that the Sox should be in on JD Davis, and, since the Mets are looking for a DH (according to reports), JD Martinez could be heading back. I don’t know how to balance the JDM money vs. the JDD years of control, so some other pieces would be on the move to make it happen, but Davis fully replaces Dalbec as 1B and 3B backup. I am probably the least sanguine of Red Sox followers about the future performance of Triston Casas, so a 1B with some years of control fits the bill for the Sox from my point of view.
Horace, JD Davis can’t play either position and isn’t a good enough hitter.
Dominic Smith is exactly the type of player that the Cubs need to target. Smith has some arb years of control, possible upside, 27 years old. Cubs are a team 3 years from possible contention, Smith fits.
I don’t see them contending in three years. Still believe Rivas or Schwindel will end up producing at the plate. Every stop in the minors both were very good and kept improving. Cubs would be wise not to deal for Smith unless shedding salary. Contreras? He might be the one. Watch him double cross Cohen too after the season is over. I see him turning back to Chicago.
Are you on drugs? Good ones?
Any team should be able to compete in 3 years. The expectations being maybe teams that lose over 100 games… edit: well looks like the Cubs might lose 100 so never mind, carry on.
Even the Royals?
I can’t say I agree with you about Schwindel and Rivas, but despite the record this year we are in a lot better shape than fans of other teams think. Deep farm and sitting on a mountain of unspent cash.
I think he’s on the DL?
Will probably only miss 4 games. He often misses 4 games when he’s not on the DL
I’d have him on my team in a New York minute. Dom Smith is going to be a very solid first baseman for someone’s team. Good stick and glove.
No stick good glove
Dom Smith is a great clubhouse guy and has the potential to be a solid player. I hope the Mets don’t sell short for those 2 years of control and potential.
I like Dom a lot too and see no reason to trade him if we get nothing in return
I can see us trading him and he becomes Justin Turner 2.0
He has documented weight and sleep apnea issues. Seems like it impacts his consistency, to say the least.
Dom hadn’t had weight issues since being diagnosed and treated for his sleep apnea. He’s been in great shape for years.
“Great clubhouse guy”, and used to be a highly ranked prospect. You guys should keep him, doubt you’ll get what you think he’s worth.
Cosmo, trading Dom Smith at this point is a team cutting its losses and admitting they have been unable to make that highly-rated prospect a successful major leaguer.
More importantly, it is giving Smith another chance to attain his dream and become an everyday MLB player. We have all seen change-of-scenery players bloom in other orgs, for whatever reason. It is noble of a club to admit they cannot do anything more for a young player and give them a chance to pursue an opportunity elsewhere.
It’s very likely Dom Smith is just a bust, but if he’s given a shot to play everyday and new eyes to watch him, you never know.
There is just not any room for him on the Mets. He’s not a good outfielder. He’s a great defensive 1st baseman with dwindling power. Not a good outlook, but if he goes to a non-contender and plays 1st consistently, he has a chance to find his bat again.
Von. What bat did he really ever have to “find” again? 19 was the juiced ball and 20 was an abbreviated season. I discount both.
The only reasons people like him is that he had a really good 40 game stretch in the pandemic season, and he cried for a criminal (Jacob Blake). & to think, the Yankees picked Judge 7 picks AFTER Smith.
If all “criminals” got shot there wouldn’t be anyone left in the world. Idiot.
Yeah I mean we’ve ALL been charged w sexual assualt, domestic abuse, criminal tresspassing, disorderly conduct…then fought w police, and climbed into our cars to retrieve a weapon…right? Totally appropriate behavior.
At least no one left in Congress lol
Jeez, don’t storm the Capitol over it
Well if you’re upset about it, maybe you should go riot and burn down and destroy other people’s property. Maybe shoot a few innocent people while you’re at it…
Smith makes no sense for the Cubs seeing they have many options at First and Corner OF.
He is a possible gold glove first baseman but his bat hasn’t translated and at 27 he is not someone I would trade for…
Happ is probably getting moved by the Cubs. I could see a Frazier and Smith platoon in LF, with Smith getting some time at 1st also. 2 guys that need regular at bats. See if they could possibly be a piece on next year’s team. Smith had a really nice 50 games in 2020, so maybe a change of scenery, regular playing time, stay healthy and see what happens. I don’t think Schwindel or Rivas are a long term solution. I think Frank gets DFA’d soon.
If I was the Red Sox brass, and a move to get Dominic Smith for first base was actually made costing anything above PTBNL I would pull Bloom into the office and relieve him of his duties. We already have a third baseman that should have been moved to first 3 years ago. One of the top prospects is a first baseman, and the two that have failed the Sox this season are not that much worse when compared with Dominic Smith instead of league averages. Red Sox are a mess all over the field. A third baseman that should be at first instead of butchering third. A shortstop that should be at third or second. A second baseman that should be at short stop. First baseman that should be playing in Worchester. That is without touching the outfield. Who would have dreamed that Kiki would be a starting center fielder for any team in baseball. Probably not the other 29 teams.
Agree on some but KH plays a very good CF and with Bradley (who should redo his contract to remain moving forward as a fourth OFer), their OF defense is fine. Should be interesting next year as I now am realizing Story will be at short with Yorke at second. Devers hopefully is re-signed and becomes the DH if JDM leaves.
I don’t believe Smith brings anything more to the table than Franchy does. Even if we lose JDM over the winter Smith upgrades nothing
Left handed bat too. It works for the rest of the season for the Red Sox (bug bye Bobby Dalbec) . But next season, Triston Casas should arrive and he’s a lefty as well. So Soxx need a right handed platoon player at first.
Starvin, it Casas hits, he’s full-time. Bloom has not shown an inkling to trade big time prospects but I can see something happening for a true starter.
Yup, I’m sure Bloom is the hoarder he’s made out to be. And I am not sure that 1B is where he’ll be hoarding. Mu guess is that “the hoarder” plays into his ability to play hard ball with other GMs.
More garbage retreads. Sox need PROVEN TALENT that can help IMMEDIATELY
Don’t really understand the cubs here, but ok
He has never hit under Sandy Aldersons forced organizational hitting philosophy. The 2 seasons Alderson was away is when Smith took off and his value was high. When Sandy got the reigns back from Uncle Steve, the hitting philosophy returned. Legit hitting instructors were ushered out and analytics took over. Smith magically stopped going opposite field and now the Mets will predictably be selling pennies on the dollar.
I wonder if the Sox could get Vogelbach from the pirates? He’s kind of a Schwarber lite, and he already plays first.
First time anyone has used “lite” to describe Big Dan!
LOL. He really looks like he belongs in the over the hill softball league.
82+ followed up by a 61+ OPS+. The guy hasn’t hit a homerun in a year. WTF do the Red Sox want this guy for? I’d hate to trade away a player/prospect, only to have to find room on the 40-Man roster this offseason. How many Franchy’s are they going to carry?
He has plenty of physical gifts, but is typically unmotivated and lazy. Such a waste of ability.
He doesn’t want to play in Boston. They’ll call him the N word
Natural Born Talent?
Nooooo. Jed, it’s time to start competing. You have the money. Sign someone who can play and get this train moving.
Dominic who? That’s just what we need to be a World Series contender.
I say swap him for Clint (Jackson/whatever he wants to be called) Frazier. Both one time blue chippers who had some big league success, both are young enough that there’s the off chance that they can do it again. Done and done.
Fascinating. Maybe both teams could benefit.
Yeah this is just what Bloom needs to replace Dalbac at first base. Once again Dalbac is shopping at Filenes Bargain Basement. Come on Bloom enough of this !!! You need more production out of first base than Dalbac is giving you. This guy is not the answer either. Dalbac is part of the reason this team is a mess along with no closer, a struggling Story. You needed a first baseman who can hit (could have signed Rizzo in the offseason too) and a closer in the off-season and let Schwarber get away for nothing. Even kicking the tires on Smith is embarrassing! Once again small market minded Bloom.
“let Schwarber get away for nothing.” I don’t think you understand how Free Agency works.
Yeah wise guy/ wise girl I do. The guy wanted to stay and liked Boston. We should have offered him a good contract instead of relying on Dalbac again! You think Smith is the answer to replace Dalbac? During free agency in the off-season he should have gone after Rizzo as maybe a cheaper alternative to Schwarber.
—I still dont understand. How do you get back something for him, if he’s an FA?
—I never said Smith was answer, read my earlier posts.
—Red Sox werent relying on Dalbec, they were stalling for Casas. Red Sox had a lot of injuries this year, thought you’d know this.
Anyone wanting to get rid of Dalbec after the year he had in 2021, is an idiot. It hasn’t worked out, but expecting such a bad season is 20/20 hindsight.
Why? Sleepy Dom is a Total Bum and belongs in an Indy League. Just Say NO and Hang UP! In Real Time I actually was shocked that the Mets drafted him in Front of Aaron Judge who should have been the obvious choice.
I am not getting my hopes up with Bloom picking up anyone big who can help this year. Maybe I will be pleasantly surprised. He just reminds me of a “Tire Kicker” on a used car lot. Too many teams are going to be in on Robertson and Bloom waits for scraps to fall in his lap. I don’t know whether it is him or Henry doing this. I am tired of the “Bridge Years” and not going for it when there is a lot of talent on our roster.
Not winning championships fast enough for ya? Jump on the Yankees bandwagon, they have a good team this year. We wont miss you.
AL34
Too many teams are going to be in on Robertson and Bloom waits for scraps to fall in his lap.
==============================
And yet, somehow, he managed to pick up Schwarber last year, and for a very reasonable price. Lots of GMs rushed in, paid top dollar, and walked away with very poor deals.
Maybe it would get your hopes up if you acknowledged that Bloom had the best results at the trade deadline last year.
How do you like what he did this year? Not much. Wacha a questionable pick up hurt, Hill 43 years old hurt, Paxton signed for 11 million where the money could have been used elsewhere. He is recovering on our dollar. They depended on Dalbac because they picked up no one to play first. Okay Story was God awful at the start of the season and is very streaky. There lies you replacement for Boggarts in the future. On Schwarber, he wanted to stay Bloom let him walk in free agency. He never picked up a closer and it shows. Robles blew 6 saves this year. Yeah Bloom did a great job. BTW Smith blows chunks and my buddy who is a Mets fan was laughing at this one. Yeah Smith would be a fantastic pickup, right up Bloom’s bargain basement alley.
They depended on Dalbac because they picked up no one to play first.
He never picked up a closer and it shows. Robles blew 6 saves this year.
====================================
Just for fun, maybe explain why you’d have gotten rid of Dalbec. He had a .792 OPS last year, and finished Aug/Sep with a 1.053 OPS. Did you predict this level of regression?
IRT a closer, if it was me, I would’ve added one. And I’d have been wrong. My top two choices would have been:
Knebel, and he lost the job.
Kimbrel, and he has a 4.22 this year, and a 5.40 in his last 25 appearances.
Iglesias, and he has a 4.50, and a 5.96 in his last 25 appearances.
So again, did you make any pre-season suggestions that you would like to share with us?
BTW yeah on Schwarber but he needed a closer because Barnes went to crap at the deadline and picked up garbage in Robles and Austin Davis. A better reliever/closer would have gotten them
Into the World Series last year instead of relying on Martin Perez
Dom seems the type to have a Rizzo-like resurgence in the AL east. Boston does make a lot of sense. He’s still the best defensive 1b on the Mets, and that’s no shot at the immense improvement Alonso has made there but Dom’s still making defensive substitution appearances for him. Stock’s low, but value to be unlocked.
Geez. I dunno. I find this story hard to believe. Dom’s really struggling. Does the FanSided guy have a name to his source.
Totally see a package deal involving Smith, Drew Smith and maybe Vientos (not sure why he isn’t up yet) for a rental catcher and lefty reliever.
Red Sox and Cubs both have catchers they can move. Problem is that EVERYBODY is going to want Alvarez. Maybe the Mets can up the ante and counter with Mauricio?
If I squint a little, I can see it.
1-He was a rated prospect, the #1-11, and he has an OPS+ of 103 from 2017-2021. He probably has some talent, 2022 notwithstanding.
2-Given the presence of Alonso & Davis, Smith has no value to the team, especially with a $3.4 salary. He will cost very little.
3-Franchy can’t play 1st, and he doesn’t hit well enough to cover his fielding. I could see Franchy going back to the Mets in a trade, and having Dalbec & Smith platoon.
At the end of the day, I’d prefer Bell, or Cron, But both those guys could be quite a bit more expensive. Acquiring Smith, while not a huge upgrade, wouldn’t impair our ability to acquire anyone else.
How about a trade with the Tigers, D.Smith and a prospect for Chafin and Fulmer
Trade a prospect to the Nats for Josh Bell.
Mets will soon have deGrom back, than the Mets can put Peterson and T.Williams in the bullpen plus Trevor May is coming back.
Tigers would need more than one prospect to get Chafin OR Fulmer with Smith being a throw in. And the Nats will also want a big haul for Bell. As a Mets fan I’d love to see any of those guys here for the stretch run, but the challenge for Eppler & crew will be deciding on what to give up in return. Peterson will likely hit the pen soon barring any more injuries to starters. We still don’t know when DeGrom will be back.
Very Hard PASS….. just bring up Casas
Cubs go get him
Yeah Chaim Smith’s .194 batting average and zero homeruns should get us to the playoffs this year. Smith actually makes Dalbac look better which is pathetic. Get out of the dumpsters already and get someone who can help this team.