Dominic Smith wants to ‘put pressure’ on the New York Mets

New Yor k Mets, Dominic Smith
Sep 29, 2019; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets first baseman Dominic Smith (22) at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

New York Mets infielder Dominic Smith, a former top prospect, has been in and out of the big leagues since his 2017 debut. Last season he was unable to play his natural position due to Pete Alonso, who won the 2019 National League Rookie of the Year Award, manning the corner infield position.

Smith wants to “put pressure” on the Mets to get his bat in the order this season (quotes per Dan Martin of the New York Post).

“Especially with the way the season is laid out, it’s definitely a different season,” Smith said of the 60-game schedule. “I just want to come in, play hard, show what I can do and put pressure on the team to make a tough decision.”

Smith has played both first base and left field with the Mets; he has made 110 appearances at first base and 45 appearances in left field.

Smith accepts that J.D. Davis, who hit .307 and posted an .895 OPS last season, is manager Luis Rojas’ likely left fielder this season.

“I had two months off with the injury and sometimes you can get lost,’’ Smith said. “J.D. Davis did a great job and is now the left fielder because he played so well. That’s just how it goes.”

Smith appeared in a career-high 89 games with the Mets last season. He hit .282, posting an .881 OPS and 134 OPS+ while totaling 11 home runs and 25 RBIs.

Smith views the 2020 Major League Baseball season as an opportunity to remind the Mets what he’s capable of.

“For me to come back and remind them they have a pretty good young player in me was definitely icing on the cake,’’ Smith said. “I want to continue to show the world, show the league what I can do.”

Smith has no doubt about playing amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“For me, personally, no,’’ Smith said. “I love baseball and I hadn’t played baseball [regularly] since last year in July. … I’ve been dreaming about baseball every day. I’m very excited to be back on the field and can’t wait to get out there.”