The New York Mets have a Dom Smith dilemma. In a season where not much has gone right one of the biggest surprises has been the play of first basemen Dom Smith. The problem is the Mets are set at first base with record-setting rookie Pete Alonso. Smith has been playing out of position just to get regular at-bats. But it does bring up an interesting question of does Smith fit into the long term plans for the Mets.
Big day from Dom. 💪
3-for-5, 1 R, 4 RBI, HR. #MetsWin pic.twitter.com/jyFFHi3MBx
— New York Mets (@Mets) July 20, 2019
Dom Smith Minor League Career
Smith was the eleventh overall pick in the 2013 draft. However, he didn’t break out until the 2016 season. While playing at Double-A Binghamton, Smith batted .302 with 14 home runs and 91 runs batted in. The next season at Triple-A, Smith had an even better season batting .330 batting with 16 home runs and 76 runs batted in. Smith would have had even better numbers but he was called up to the majors.
Smith’s Unimpressive Major League Debut
On August 11th, 2017 Dom Smith made his major league debut. In 49 games Smith batted an unimpressive .198 with nine home runs and 26 runs batted in. Even though Smith struggled in his first taste of the major leagues the Mets were still very high on him. The Mets expected Smith to win the first base position outright in 2018. For this reason, the Mets did not bring in any real competition for Smith and signed aging veteran Adrian Gonzalez as a backup.
Smith reported to spring training out of shape and unprepared to play baseball. He injured his quadriceps and missed most of the spring. Because of this, Smith started the season with Las Vegas. In 84 games, Smith batted .258 with six home runs and 41 runs batted in.
After shuffling back and forth between the Mets and Las Vegas, Smith finished out the season with the Mets. Still, Smith struggled with a .224 batting average with five home runs and eleven runs batted in. As Smith continues to falter with the Mets, Alonso took over as the future at first base. Smith was left wondering what would become of him.
Transformation of Dom Smith
This spring Smith showed up to camp ready to play. His weight was down and Smith was in much better shape. Smith, who was diagnosed in 2016 with sleep apnea, resumed using the CPAP machine which made him less tired and more alert on a daily basis. Also, Smith found his stroke and had a good spring with the bat. The problem was Alonso’s was better and when the season started Smith was back at Las Vegas.
Smith only played two games at Las Vegas before getting called back up to the Mets. Smith has performed so well offensively that he earned a spot on the team. Although Smith would get one or two spot starts a week spelling Alonso he made the most of his playing time. in 179 at-bats, Smith is hitting .283 with nine home runs and 18 runs batted in.
The Mets have tried Smith in left field in order to keep him in the lineup. Smith hadn’t played outfield since high school but is willing to try any position the Mets suggest. It is becoming clear that Smith is not an outfielder. At least at this time. The Mets Friday night loss against the San Francisco Giants indicates that even a good bat can’t always overcome defensive lapses. Smith misplayed a flyball and the winning run scored as a result.
"Cost us the game"
Dom Smith explains what happened on the last play in a disappointing loss pic.twitter.com/3M43GRw1BN
— SNY (@SNYtv) July 20, 2019
The Mets Dilemma
So the Mets are now at a crossroads with Smith. While it is possible with more time in the outfield Smith can get better. This is not a guarantee. But the time to do this might not be during the major league season. Smith might need to play in the Arizona Fall League and that with a full spring training might elevate Smith to an average to a good defensive outfielder.
The Mets could also trade him while he has value. Let’s face it, the Mets are a team with a lot of holes and is keeping Smith and playing him out of position isn’t the smartest thing to do. Smith is well-liked in the clubhouse and has brought a lot of energy to the team. His friendship with Alonso and Jeff McNeil indicate they all could be major building blocks for the future of the Mets. But it all depends on finding a set position for Smith. Playing the outfield seems to be the only place Smith can try.
All of these factor into a very tough decision for GM Brodie Van Wagenen to make.
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