It’s been a roller coaster ride type offseason for Mets first baseman Dominic Smith.
Despite Sandy Alderson’s criticism of the 22-year-old and constant rumors swirling about New York looking to bring in external help at first base, it seemed as though it might just have been motivation for Smith to come into camp in tip-top shape.
However, with the Mets bringing in Adrian Gonzalez on a Major League deal, it’s apparent they likely won’t start the year with Smith as the team’s everyday first baseman.
This doesn’t mean the team has completely given up on Smith, who hit just .198/.262/.395 with nine homers and 26 RBI in 183 plate appearances last year, but surely the team has doubts he is MLB ready.
I’ve heard a lot of people talk about how Gonzalez could have brought in as a mentor for Smith, but as MMO’s own Joe D. points out, the likelihood they are even on the 25-man roster at the same time is slim to none. Gonzalez will either get let go and Smith will get the job, or Gonzalez will break camp with the team and Smith will pack his bags for the West Coast.
I feel the need to correct an inaccurate narrative taking shape after the Adrian Gonzalez signing.
To those saying Gonzalez will be great mentor for Dominic Smith, that's not true.
No chance that A-Gon and Smith are on the active roster at the same time. None. Zero. Nada.
— Metsmerized – Joe D (@MetsmerizedJoeD) January 14, 2018
Additionally, with New York inking Gonzalez to a Major League contract, even if he has just an average spring, he’s in and Smith is out.
Gonzalez is guaranteed just over $22 million that’s left on his contract, which will be paid by the Atlanta Braves who acquired and subsequently released him last month. The Mets will pay him the prorated league minimum.
The Mets are hoping to catch lightning in a bottle with Gonzalez, who was limited to just 71 games and hit just .242 last season with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
I think the Mets still believe Dominic Smith can be the prospect they selected as a first round pick in 2013 and Gonzalez will just provide a stopgap until he’s ready, but the chances that Smith beats him out and earns the first base job out of spring seems very slim at this point.
