What should the New York Mets do with Dominic Smith?

Should the New York Mets give Dominic Smith another chance in 2019? The former top prospect does not seem to be in the Mets’ future plans.

The New York Mets have been a very active club, but they have yet to definitively say who their starting first baseman will be for 2019. Could it be Peter Alonso or will Dominic Smith get another chance to earn the role?

All signs seem to point towards Alonso, as Brodie Van Wagenen has seemingly cleared a path for the powerful righty. The trade of Jay Bruce and the non-tender of Wilmer Flores removed two major obstacles standing in Alonso’s way.

Now with that said, I believe that the New York Mets won’t simply hand Alonso the role in the spring. Figuring that he is likely given the job, we are left to wonder, what will the club do with Dominic Smith?

Dominic Smith, one of the club’s former top prospects, has failed to show that he has the talent necessary to be an everyday Major League first baseman.

In 310 Major League at-bats, Smith has hit 14 home runs and has driven in 37 RBIs, but has only managed to slash .210/.259/.406. This results in an OPS+ of 79… far below league average.

This production is far from his Minor League slash line of .296/.361/.426.

Smith has been called out for his weight and work ethic, maybe the solution is to trade the struggling lefty? Maybe a change of scenery will help the youngster?

Smith is only 23-years-old so it is reasonable to assume that he could still be a viable Major League player. Trading him may be the team’s best option because they are looking to win now, not wait for Smith to develop.

The Mets have infield depth as Jeff McNeil, Todd Fraizer, Robinson Cano, and T.J. Rivera can all play first base in the event that Alonso is not ready or not able to play. Yoenis Cespedes has also expressed interest in seeing some time at first base.

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The New York Mets are currently in search of a left-handed reliever. Reports have indicated that Van Wagenen is looking to include Kevin Plawecki or Travis d’Arnaud in a possible deal. Why not include Smith?

His track record may cause clubs to turn away from a potential deal but there should be interested teams out there. Smith is only one year removed from slashing .330/.386/.519 at Triple-A Las Vegas.

Being optimistic, I would like to think that Smith just needs more time to adjust to the game at the Major League level. He has a nice swing and has shown the ability to hit for power, while his plate discipline and defense are aspects that need improvement.

Up to this point, Dominic Smith has failed to show that he has improved his game. The lefty is currently struggling while playing in the Dominican Winter League.

Smith’s development might be best suited while playing in another organization. The New York Mets should deal Dominic Smith while he still has some value. The 23-year-old should still have value now, but his stock will continue to drop with another struggling season.