Mets have three options with Dominic Smith following the Matt Adams addition

Stash Dominic Smith in AAA

Smith still has minor league options left which means he could always get sent down to Triple-A to begin the season. This happened to him in 2019 early on. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Mets do the same.

This time around, the Mets could use it as an opportunity to allow him to play more games in the outfield. If Smith can become a more versatile defender with at least average abilities in left field, he’s far more valuable to the team moving forward.

By keeping him with the organization, the Mets could also prepare for the potential addition of the DH in 2021. It feels like an ideal situation with Smith getting regular at-bats as the team’s first baseman with Pete Alonso moving to the DH role every so often.

This option may not be the wisest choice. It also only makes sense if the Mets are going to put Adams on the Opening Day roster. He’ll need to earn it this spring.

One thing I do know is that these two cannot co-exist on the same roster. In fact, I was hopeful Smith could develop into a player like Adams. Teams have experimented with Adams in the outfield as well, but he’s clearly more of a first baseman/DH type of player.

When spring training begins, if Smith is still around, I expect a battle between these two for a roster spot. Smith should have early dibs. However, an impressive spring from Adams could change the front office’s opinion very quickly.

As Brodie Van Wagenen said last year, he wants to put the best roster possible together. Things shouldn’t be any different in 2020.