Mets: Dominic Smith’s spectacular season became less fantastic

Dominic Smith spent the early part of his season with the New York Mets battering baseballs. A summer slump and now an injury has made his spectacular season far less fantastic.

Dominic Smith did something this year he never did before. He hit at the big league level. The New York Mets took a while to give him regular opportunities in left field, but when they did, the kid showed plenty of promise. Some underrated power numbers, a really good OBP, and a high batting average highlighted the early part of his season.

Unfortunately, it hasn’t lasted.

Smith is now on the IL and will wait to break out from the slump he has been in. The left-handed-hitting former prospect hit .370 in March/April, .355 in May, and .297 in June. He finished July with just a .167 batting average. In a month where many batters typically heat up, Smith went cold.

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We can attribute the slump to a variety of factors. Some season wear and tear overexposure, or his costly errors may have all played a role in seeing his batting average dip down from spectacular in the .300s to a simply good-to-see .278. Now just shy of 200 plate appearances, Smith’s breakout year looks more like a very good one and nothing more.

For a while there, it looked like Smith may actually be a viable option for the Mets in left field next year. No dice. Balls began to find him beyond the infield dirt. Without a tremendous bat to back him up, it’s hard to picture a situation where he becomes an everyday player in Flushing.

Smith did survive the trade deadline, which he may not have been the case if he was healthy. Although, I find it hard to believe there were many options out there for him especially since the Mets seem to believe they can compete. Smith would only fit in on most teams as a part-time bench bat. This is something the Amazins would need if they plan to go on any sort of miracle run in 2019.

The story changes after the season ends. Regardless of what Smith does, he’s going to be on the trade block.

Smith is expected to miss a few weeks with his current foot ailment. At the earliest, we could see him attempt to turn in early September. This will make it a challenge for Smith to even reach 300 plate appearances this season.

Despite some struggles, Smith still has an .858 OPS this season. Only Pete Alonso and Jeff McNeil have higher numbers with Michael Conforto lurking.

If given the chance to play on an everyday basis, Smith has the potential to strike 20-25 home runs and challenge for a .300 batting average. Still a bit of a mystery because he has yet to do it for the long haul, he’s certainly a tempting player other teams will seek.

Next. What should the Mets do with Dominic Smith?

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Unfortunately for him, it seems the year will be cut short yet again.

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