Mets news you may have missed: Exhibition games showcasing pitching depth

As part of Major League Baseball’s celebration of Black History Month, fan-favorite Dominic Smith hosted baseball legend, Barry Bonds during an MLB Instagram Livestream this past week.

The pair discussed a range of topics, including Smith getting advice on his swing. As most fans are probably aware, big things lie ahead for the 25-year-old.

In 2020, Smith saw increased playing time during the league’s truncated season. Through 177 at-bats, Smith racked 32 extra-base hits and 42 RBIs while maintaining a slash line of .377/.616/.993.

What’s most striking about Smith’s 2020 performance is his production value. With more consistent playing time he eclipsed his 2019 totals, and in fewer games too!

Smith had the same number of at-bats in 2020 as he did in 2019 despite playing in fewer games (50) than he did in 2019 (89).

This shows that with regular playing time, Smith is developing into the player the organization hoped he would when they drafted him No. 11 overall in the 2013 MLB first-year player draft.

With a full season ahead of him in 2021, Smith is primed for 30 home runs and 90 RBIs while maintaining an above .300 BA.

Moreover, as most lineup projections for this upcoming season have him pegged for the sixth spot in the Mets batting order, Smith’s slash line could see a bump with the newfound protection now hitting around him.

Smith is a young, dynamic, and energetic talent who will be a lynchpin in the Mets championship aspirations this season. Ultimately, time will tell, but Smith’s participation in major league video series and overall leadership show that the future ahead is a bright one for this kid.

Davis steals third while Smith bonds with idol on Instagram livestream

Despite a last ditch effort to place a call-in to several teams about a trade to upgrade their third base position, none of the newly acquired Mets are expected to be manning the hot corner this season. Instead, it appears J.D. Davis will be slotted into the role of the Mets everyday third baseman.

His hitting remains his redeeming attribute, slashing .307/.369/.527 along with a total of 22 home runs during his breakout 2019 season.

However, to be the everyday third baseman, his fielding will need to improve from last year’s -8 Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) stat as he joins an infield already infused with defense up the middle – and Lindor to his left.

And regular reps at the position will surely help him do just that.

Overall, with a strong performance this spring, Davis should be ready to be the everyday third baseman come Opening Day, especially with super-utility player, Jonathon Villar coming off the bench to spell him every few days.