NY Mets Roster: Too early top 4 winter trade candidates

2) NY Mets trade candidate Dominic Smith

The Mets may have missed their best chance to trade Dominic Smith for something sweet. When Pete Alonso passed him on the depth chart in 2019, it seemed like a foregone conclusion that Smith would end up with a different time.

Then something amazing happened. Smith cheered Alonso on. He became a great teammate, productive part-time player, and a serious candidate to take over in left field.

In 2020, we saw him put together a fabulous year. This hasn’t been the case in 2021 with his bad slumping despite some improvements as a defender in left field.

One thing holding the Mets back from actually trading Smith is probably the uncertainty about the future of a DH in the National League. There’s a natural move to make after. Alonso becomes a regular at DH with Smith moving to first base practically full-time. However, if he’s going to hit like he has in 2021, the Mets would be wiser to cut bait sooner than later.

Smith remains a guy that doesn’t quite squeeze in perfectly for what the Mets want. He has lost playing time late in 2021 which doesn’t bode well for his future in Flushing. An American League team looking for a first baseman, left fielder, and/or DH could suit him well—particularly one hoping to spend little money and get back into contention rather quickly.

National League teams could also view him favorably, possibly even in a platoon role with a right-handed bat. Smith has always played first base well. Will it be with the Mets he gets to eventually do it?