NY Mets: 3 potential trade partners for Dominic Smith

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 29: Dominic Smith #2 of the New York Mets looks on during the fourth inning against the Atlanta Braves at Citi Field on May 29, 2021 in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 29: Dominic Smith #2 of the New York Mets looks on during the fourth inning against the Atlanta Braves at Citi Field on May 29, 2021 in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /
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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) /

With the World Series behind us and the off-season officially underway, the New York Mets have several big decisions to make regarding the club’s big league roster in 2022.

Over the next few weeks, the Mets need to decide on extending qualifying offers, re-signing pending free agents or finding replacements on the open markets, as well as deciding what to do with several of the players under contract for next season.

One of the players whose future with the team appears to be in limbo is the left-handed first baseman/outfielder Dominic Smith, who is slated to be under contract with the team through the 2024 season.

Originally called up in the “tail-end” of 2017 as a first baseman, Smith has been supplanted in that role by 2019 Rookie of the Year Pete Alonso. Since then, he has transitioned into becoming a left fielder,

Smith severed as the starting left fielder for the bulk of 2021, appeared in for 114 games for the Mets in that position, while hitting .244 at the plate with a .304 OBP, along with 11 home runs and 58 RBI in 145 games

While Smith served decently as the starting left fielder, the Mets could do for an upgrade at the position if they hope to compete in 2022, ideally both offensively and defensively, and with Smith under contract for 3 more years, he makes for a good chip to trade.

Which teams would be good trade partners for the New York Mets to deal Dominic Smith to?

Ideally, since Smith is a natural first baseman and an average left fielder at best, any potential trade partner would need a starting first baseman to slot into their lineup, or in the case of an American League team, an opening for a new designated hitter.

As for what the Mets should look for in return, the best case scenario for a trade would be to acquire players that address the teams’ biggest needs, which are either outfielders or starting pitching, either at the major or minor league level.

With all that said, here are 3 teams would be ideal trade partners for the New York Mets: