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NY Mets: This is the perfect lineup for the 2021 season

By Zachary Rotman

NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 17: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) General manager Sandy Alderson of the New York Mets speaks to the media before a game against the San Francisco Giants at Citi Field on September 17, 2013 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. The Giants defeated the Mets 8-5. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 17: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) General manager Sandy Alderson of the New York Mets speaks to the media before a game against the San Francisco Giants at Citi Field on September 17, 2013 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. The Giants defeated the Mets 8-5. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – AUGUST 12: Dominic Smith #2 of the New York Mets hits a home run against the Washington Nationals at Citi Field on August 12, 2020 in New York City. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images) /

Dominic Smith – 1B

After his walk-off home run to end the 2019 season, Dom Smith broke out in a big way in 2020. He slashed .316/.377/.616 with 10 home runs and 42 RBI. Smith was not even a starter until Yoenis Cespedes opted out of the season, so for him to put up this stat line is extremely impressive. Smith appeared on eight ballots as a top 10 finisher for National League MVP, also extremely impressive.

Smith’s status as a starter in 2021 is in question due to the fact that there may not be a DH. I don’t think there is any way Alonso is not an everyday player, at least to start the season. Dom has played some left field, but it is clear that he’s best suited at first base. Also, if they played Dom in left, that would mean the Mets would have to put Nimmo in center which, as we saw this season, is not a good idea.

The Mets are best suited with Smith in the lineup every day. Whether that’s at first base, DH, left field, they just need his bat. So hopefully, there is a DH because if there isn’t, one of Nimmo, Smith, or maybe even Alonso will be relegated to the bench. And of the three, the most likely candidate would be Dom.

If somehow Smith isn’t in the lineup every day, I think the Mets need to seriously consider trading him. It’s not a good thing to waste that kind of value on the bench and if they can get something great back for him, or include him in a trade for a superstar like a Francisco Lindor or Nolan Arenado, the Mets might have to pull the trigger.

But for now, let’s hope that there is a DH in the National League and the Mets don’t have to even consider trading Smith. He is one of their best offensive players and will make a huge impact if he’s in the lineup.

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