Dominic Smith (Image credit: Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
The Mets are not getting the Adrian Gonzalez from five years ago, but his signing is enough to raise eyebrows on who they’ll be starting the season with at first base.
Throughout the second half of the 2017 season, the Mets were believed to be leaning towards Dominic Smith as their first baseman going forward.
But following the Gonzalez signing, Mike Puma of the New York Post reported Smith is likely to start the season at the Triple-A level in the minor leagues.
The reason for the about-face, according to Puma, is concern the Mets have about Smith being ready for the majors.
Well, this is also all contingent on Gonzalez showing everyone he’s healthy enough to play. He’s 38 years old and back injuries in 2017 limited his production for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Smith played 49 games for the Mets in 2017 and his numbers indicated he was overwhelmed. He hit nine home runs and posted 26 runs batted in. But he also struck out 49 times and posted a .198 batting average.
His 2018 batting projections, according to Baseball Reference, doesn’t exactly scream: first baseman of the future. If he’ll hit .237 with 13 home runs and 39 RBI, that’s reason for the Mets to take a chance on Gonzalez.
It would also do Smith and the Mets no good to have the youngster sitting on the bench. Gonzalez could be a mentor, but the Mets already have Wilmer Flores and Jay Bruce as backup options at first.
Smith needs at-bats and having him get additional seasoning in Triple-A could also humble him. The Mets reportedly were not comfortable with his conditioning.
Adrian Gonzalez (Image credit: Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Patience For Smith, It’s Not Over Yet
Gonzalez, in eleven seasons, hit 262 of his 311 career home runs, for the San Diego Padres and Los Angeles Dodgers. He’s a 14-year veteran, and five-time All-Star, the Mets are bringing in on a low-risk, high-reward plan.
The Mets are believed to be still high on Smith, but he’ll need to start showing he’s ready. Kristie Ackert of the New York Daily News notes his name came up in trade talks this winter but the Mets didn’t pull the trigger.
It’s also important to remember Smith could still change a few minds with a strong showing in the spring.
Every top prospect doesn’t always get it right on the first time. This could be what Smith needs to keep him focused for when his next opportunity comes.
