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.