New York Mets’ slugger Dominic Smith dreams about a scenario in which he can show his talents on an everyday basis. He knows that, with the Mets, that may be difficult, as they have enormous depth in the positions he can play: first base and corner outfield.
As a result, he has been in the middle of trade rumors for a long time now. It’s nothing new to him, even though it’s clearly something that’s not necessarily easy to deal with. Recently, media reported that the Mets and the San Diego Padres were close to agreeing to a trade that included Smith, with Chris Paddack and Eric Hosmer going to New York. It didn’t come to fruition.
“I’ve been a part of trade rumors my whole career,” Smith told Deesha Thosar of the New York Daily News. “This is something that’s not new to me, and it’s something that’s just going to be a part of the game. It’s obviously good to be wanted. It means you’re obviously a pretty good player, and that’s what Buck (Showalter) said.”
While he loves the Mets, it’s clear that Smith could take advantage of a situation in which he had more playing time.
“That didn’t come from my mouth (that he is unhappy with his role), but who wouldn’t want to play every day? That’s like common sense in my opinion,” Smith said. “I don’t think any player in the big leagues wants to be a backup player or a part-time player. If the opportunity is out there, like I said, who wouldn’t want to play every day?”
The Mets’ slugger wants to play
Smith continued: “It’s out of my control. I can’t trade myself, and I can’t put myself in the lineup. All I can do is show what I can and that’s what I do on the field, and that’s what I plan to do. Play hard and play well.”
He has had a terrific spring, but the Mets have Mark Canha, Starling Marte, and Brandon Nimmo as the outfield starters, and Pete Alonso as the first baseman. He can surely take some at-bats from the designated hitter spot, but Robinson Cano and JD Davis will, too.
Smith is batting .440 in Grapefruit League action. Even still, he doesn’t think the Mets owe him anything. It’s all part of the game.
“They don’t owe me an explanation,” Smith said. “That’s their job in the front office, to make the decision that is best for this organization and this club and this team. I think they’re going to make the best ones for this club and they’re continuously doing that. I’m just here to show up and play my game and play ball.”