New York Mets: Three potential Dominic Smith trade destinations

Following a breakout year at the plate, the value for Dominic Smith is high, which is why the New York Mets should look to use him as a trade chip this offseason

As the New York Mets get set for their first offseason under the new regime, the word coming out of Flushing is that they’ll be active on the trade market. With multiple holes to fill, the Mets will have to use both free agency and trades to construct what Steve Cohen hopes will be a legitimate World Series contender in 2021. If the Mets want are looking to maximize the return on trades this offseason, those trade talks should include Dominic Smith

Smith broke out in 2020 where he compiled a line of .316/.377/.616/.993 along with 10 homers and 41 RBIs. While Mets fans may not want to part with the lovable first basemen, Dom’s value is sky high right now, which is why they should try to package him in a trade.

With the DH position not staying in the NL for 2021, playing time might become a bit tricky as the roster stands right now. With Pete Alonso set to man first base and left field appearing to have a rotating platoon of Brandon Nimmo and J.D. Davis, looking for places to plug Dom’s bat into the lineup will be tricky.

There’s a chance that other pieces could be moved this winter that would allow Smith to have a more solidified spot in the lineup. However, a much better defensive first baseman than a left fielder, Dom won’t benefit from having at-bats taken by Davis and Nimmo, which is why the Mets should look to explore dealing him to one of these three teams.

Cleveland Indians

The Mets are most certainly going to look for an upgrade to their rotation through free agency as well as through the trade market. While rumors have picked up recently regarding the possibility of Francisco Lindor being moved to Flushing, including Dom in a bigger package along with prospects would help in the Indians adding one of their arms into the mix.

While the package would center around Lindor, the Mets should push to have Zach Plesac added into the deal as well. For the Indians, they’d probably be more inclined to move Carlos Carrasco who is set to make $11M in 2021 and is 33 years old. However, with a package of prospects, and two major league established players such as Amed Rosario and Smith, the Mets could be in a position to bolster their rotation and maintaining their roster’s youth.

Plesac, who will turn 26 next January, was the center of some controversy this season when he and Mike Clevinger decided to go out partying, resulting in positive COVID tests and causing a rift within the clubhouse.

Clevinger was shipped to San Diego and rumors of Plesac being traded swirled as well. In eight starts in 2020, Plesac pitched to the tune of a 2.28 ERA, with a WHIP under 1.00 and 57 strikeouts over 55 innings pitched. It’s an eight-game sample, but those eight starts were a drastic improvement from Plesac’s rookie year in 2019 which ERA of 3.81 and a FIP of nearly 5.00.

The Mets could try to pry away Triston McKenzie, but given what we saw in 2020, it might be a steeper price to try to include him in a package with Lindor. Plesac seems like a more realistic option as a trade chip while also providing upside potential.

If the Mets wanted to include Smith in a trade to Cleveland, it would give them an opportunity to add to their rotation of 2021 as almost an aside to what would otherwise be a mega-deal in landing Lindor.

With Carlos Santana being a free agent, the Indians would be able to have an established first baseman in their lineup that is under team control and cost efficient. Not being known to retain their stars, Cleveland could look to rebuild their team and make Smith part of their core moving forward.

Houston Astros

Since the Mets are in the market for pitching depth, the Houston Astros could pair nicely in a trade this winter.

The Astros proved that they’re still a very good baseball team, even after the entire cheating scandal. Benefitting from a larger playoff format and a shortened season, the Astros were able to make a run all the way to the ALCS in 2020 and should be looking to stay competitive for the next few years.

Yuri Gurriel who manned first base for the Astros is 36 and will be turning 37 by June of next year. With Yordan Alvarez mostly serving as a DH, Smith could fit nicely into their current core, while also providing an injection of youth.

Justin Verlander will be returning next year from Tommy John surgery and the emergence of Framber Valdez to accompany the arms of Cristian Javier and Lance McCullers could help Houston’s decision to move an arm from their farm system. After trading away Zack Greinke, the Astros could try to hold onto their young arms. However, Forrest Whitley has struggled in the minors and the top prospect, who was once labeled untouchable has had that label removed in the latest discussions with their general manager.

While Dom would be missed in Queens, the possibility of having young arms to reinforce Jacob deGrom in the rotation is a high priority for the Mets and Houston could line up as a nice trade partner.

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