3 potential trade destinations for Dominic Smith
Dominic Smith might be on the IL right now but that didn’t stop New York Mets rumors about his future with the team from spilling out. According to FanSided’s Robert Murray, the team has engaged in trade talks involving him.
Smith has now gone more than a year without hitting a home run which is sacrilegious for a first baseman of any ability. He’ll have to wait a little longer and there’s no telling if he’ll even get a shot. There are plenty of other Mets rumors about the team looking to upgrade the DH spot which could have Smith sent to another organization or simply to the minors.
Where could Smith get traded? Let’s explore the options.
1) NY Mets rumors: Boston Red Sox are a trade destination or Dominic Smith
As Murray mentioned, the Mets and Boston Red Sox have been in talks about a possible Smith trade. They have their own version of him on their roster, Bobby Dalbec. A player who has hit for some pop in the past but has never really been able to do much else, the team has a dire need to upgrade at first base. They’ve started to give Franchy Cordero more at-bats at the position which improves them but doesn’t answer any long-term questions.
Smith might just be more of the same for the Red Sox or maybe they consider him a project or even a platoon option. Interestingly enough, their top prospect, Triston Casas, is a first baseman. Given this fact, it might not make a whole lot of sense for the Red Sox to have any interest in Smith for long.
Because he is still arbitration eligible, Smith could always get traded and then non-tendered. It doesn’t make too much sense to hold onto a player already making a few million only to stash him on the farm.
If Smith did get traded to the Red Sox by the trade deadline, it might be the rarest of deals between two contenders in the summer.
2) NY Mets rumors: Chicago Cubs are a trade destination for Dominic Smith
This team that Murray mentions makes a lot more sense. There are plenty of Mets rumors out there along with speculation or even just fan wish lists that have the Chicago Cubs involved. If the team could snag something from them with Smith being one of the major pieces involved, it would feel like a win.
But before we get too excited, it’s going to cost more than Smith to land David Robertson, Ian Happ, or Willson Contreras. He’d just be one piece for them which would hopefully help the Mets keep a prospect instead.
Alfonso Rivas and Frank Schwindel have played first base more than anyone else for the Cubs this year. There is obviously room for the Cubs to take on Smith and see if maybe he can turn things around for them. They are in rebuild mode right now but could quickly pivot and start spending big in the offseason to speed up the process.
You’ll probably recall, the Cubs were the team many expected the Mets would flip Eric Hosmer to after the ill-fated trade with the San Diego Padres which would have dealt Dominic Smith out there. Now, it’s looking like the Cubs could be looking to buy low on one of the players involved in the trade. What could the Mets possibly look to get back for him?
3) NY Mets rumors: Colorado Rockies are a trade destination for Dominic Smith
The Colorado Rockies could be a potential destination for Dominic Smith. Needless to say, it would cost more than just Smith to acquire All-Star C.J. Cron from them. However, that wouldn’t eliminate the possibility of the Rockies having some interest in Smith. With Daniel Vogelbach now on the roster, Cron feels far less likely to end up in Flushing.
Smith would have to see his numbers pop as a member of the Rockies as many hitters will experience—Cron included. If the team is wisely looking to capitalize on the success of Cron in 2022 and trade him before the deadline, it could make some sense for them to get younger and see if Smith can rebound with the benefit of Coors Field 81 times a season.
Cron’s name has already come up in Mets rumors so the start of talks between these two clubs may have already begun. Even if he ends up with a different team, the Rockies are a candidate to add Smith as a replacement for Cron.
Because first base is a deep position around the league yet not one you necessarily need much depth with on your own roster, a team will need to have maneuverability with Smith on their own roster or at least a little patience.
The Rockies are an interesting team to trade with right now because they stopped their rebuild dead in its tracks when they signed Kris Bryant during the offseason. Could they have an interest in a project like Smith?