Mets: Three potential Dominic Smith trade destinations this winter

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.