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NY Mets: Three Dominic Smith predictions for the 2021 season

By Allen Settle

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 17: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Dominic Smith #2 of the New York Mets in action during an intra squad game at Citi Field on July 17, 2020 in New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 17: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Dominic Smith #2 of the New York Mets in action during an intra squad game at Citi Field on July 17, 2020 in New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – SEPTEMBER 16: Dominic Smith #2 of the New York Mets bats against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on September 16, 2020 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Mets beat the Phillies 5-4. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – SEPTEMBER 16: Dominic Smith #2 of the New York Mets bats against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on September 16, 2020 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Mets beat the Phillies 5-4. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

Dom will surpass 30 home runs and 90 RBI this season

Speaking of offensive production, New York should expect more great things in 2021. Most projection sites have the slugger recording somewhere in the range of 23 homers and 78 RBI. Mets fans should think bigger.

Despite playing just 50 games last season, the breakout star was able to post 10 homers and 42 RBI. Expand that pace across a normal 162 game slate, and Smith would record 30+ homers and 120+ RBI.

Of course, the grind of a long season makes endurance and health obstacles. Baseball projections are also far more nuanced than a simple multiplication problem. However, Smith has shown the ability to take the next leap into the tier of top hitters in the league.

He has the raw power. He also has the advantage of playing in a very dangerous New York lineup that includes dangerous weapons such as Francisco Lindor, Alonso, Michael Conforto, Jeff McNeil, JD Davis, and James McCann. The Mets also have a real chance to further bolster their lineup by adding a centerfielder or depth in other positions.

Last season, Smith hit for a .316 batting average. If he is able to remain anywhere near the .300 mark, he should have no issues knocking in a plethora of baserunners. Expect the RBI opportunities to be plentiful as the slugger shatters his career pace for the third straight season.

The 30 home run mark will be the more challenging of the two, but it is certainly within the realm of possibility. I’ll go as far as to say that it is likely.

If you believe that the playing time will be there (and I certainly do), the sky is the limit for Smith.

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