Dominic Smith‘s career as the New York Mets first baseman has gotten off to a rough start in only 13 games, but he has shown glimpses of big league power already.
Smith, 22, is slashing only .190/.227/.429 in 44 plate appearances though he has three home runs in 42 at-bats for the Mets.
Dominic hit his third major league home run on Wednesday night in the Mets 4-2 win over the Diamondbacks. His solo shot in the sixth inning gave the Mets a much needed insurance run.
Before the game, manager Terry Collins said he would like Smith to get the bat head out in front more and pull the ball. Well, Smith did just that with a home run to right field off Jake Barrett.
“That’s exactly what we’re talking about. … He really got the bat through the strike zone quickly and got it out front,” Collins said after the game. “If he learns how to do that, he’s got a chance to hit the ball over the fence.”
In 499 combined at-bats between Triple-A and the majors this season, Smith has a career high 35 doubles and 19 home runs. Of course, power has always been the big question surrounding Smith and his big league value.
“It doesn’t surprise me at all,” Smith said about his power this year. “I knew it was in there. People who were with me on an everyday basis knew it was in there.”
