Prospect expert Keith Law of ESPN highlighted the top ten prospects who have impressed him in 2015 and while he had Houston Astros first baseman A.J. Reed as his Prospect of the Year, he also listed Mets first baseman Dominic Smith among his favorites.
He writes:
“Smith didn’t turn 20 until mid-June, and despite a dismal start to the season, he ended up leading the Florida State League in doubles and finishing in the top 10 in batting average and 13th in slugging. The raw home run power he showed in high school hasn’t come through in pro ball yet, although he has played in two terrible home environments for left-handed power hitters and has compensated by focusing on going the other way — even hitting four of his six homers on the season out to left field.”
“Double-A Binghamton will give him his first somewhat neutral home park, and the Mets are hopeful he’ll convert his tremendous hitting IQ and physical strength into pull power once he gets there in April.”
Smith broke out offensively this year hitting .305/.354/.417 with six home runs while leading the league with his 33 doubles and 79 RBI. He also had a stellar year with the glove on his way to being named the Florida State League Player of the Year.
The 11th overall pick in 2013, Smith, also won FSL player of the month for June when he hit .352/.397/.472 with 20 RBI in 26 games. The Mets have chosen him to play in the Arizona Fall League which begins October 13.
