Mets: Three potential Dominic Smith trade destinations this winter

Detroit Tigers

The Detroit Tigers were the worst team in Major League Baseball last year. A 47-114 record took baseball in the Motor City down to the bottom of the baseball world. Perhaps worse for loyal fans, they had to see as several of its former star pitchers competed in the World Series against one another and together.

There’s little star power on the Tigers right now, meaning what little talent they do have left should be on the market. One of the last remaining players they have yet to trade, Matthew Boyd, ended up finishing 2019 with a 9-12 record and 4.56 ERA. He didn’t exactly finish the season with numbers which would entice many teams to explore a big deal.

Although the Mets could use a starting pitcher with the loss of Zack Wheeler, I find it more realistic to see if the Tigers have some relievers that could help. They were previously rumored to have interest in Joe Jimenez, a guy who pitched last season at age 24 and produced a 4.37 ERA. This hardly tells the full story behind Jimenez, though. His 12.4 strikeouts per nine is what likely got the Mets’ attention much more.

Detroit had a few other relievers post average or slightly below numbers in 2019. If able to land Jimenez and another, it’s a consideration. It’s tough to imagine the Mets winning any deal involving Smith long-term unless he becomes a complete bust. Even after he leaves the franchise, I wouldn’t want to see that happen.

As far as center field is concerned, the Tigers have a few names which may fit in with the team over in Flushing. However, none seem to have the same appeal as Smith would. JaCoby Jones is older and not exactly building up the kind of resume Detroit had hoped for.

Detroit is certainly a destination for Smith. In fact, they could use just about anyone. The roster has been ravaged. The best way I see Smith ending up there would be in a three-team trade because of how little they could offer New York.

Toronto Blue Jays

It’s beginning to feel like Smith will play for a losing ball club in 2020. Another bad squad from the 2019 season is in need of a first baseman. Unlike the Tigers, they are building up something pretty spectacular.

Between Bo Bichette, Cavan Biggio, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. there seems to be plenty of hype up in Toronto about what this team may one day do. They’ve retooled quickly on offense and now need to find some pitchers to keep runs down. They also happen to have an experienced closer named Ken Giles who could be exactly what the Mets need.

New York and Toronto made a trade last summer when Marcus Stroman returned home to Long Island. The relationship has already been established. In business, and baseball is one, this is the first step in making something happen.

Former Blue Jays first baseman Justin Smoak is now a free agent, leaving a clear opening for Smith to get regular at-bats. The regular lineup last year was actually quite right-handed heavy, leaving no excuse to ever put Smith on the bench.

Fortunately, in addition to Giles, there are other players on the Blue Jays who could fit with the Mets. Any of their primary starting outfielders from last year could be targets. I find they are less likely because of their age. Randal Grichuk is the one the Blue Jays would most like to move on from because of his larger contract. He’s not exactly the kind of guy who would be worth trading Smith for. Grichuk’s defensive ability decreased last year as a right fielder. The Mets need someone to play center field.

There’s no doubt the Mets will try to flip Smith for some combination of relief pitching and center field help. Their two greatest needs are present on these three teams in one way or another.

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More importantly for the trade market, the Red Sox, Tigers, and Blue Jays all have an opening at first base. It’s just a matter of agreeing on the value of the players in the trades then putting it to action.