Early Predictions for the 2018 New York Mets Lineup

By Nolan Rich | Aug 29, 2017

PHOENIX, AZ - APRIL 15: Manager Terry Collins of the New York Mets watches from the dugout during the MLB game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field on April 15, 2014 in Phoenix, Arizona. All uniformed team members are wearing jersey number 42 in honor of Jackie Robinson Day. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

3 of 9

NEW YORK, NY – AUGUST 15: Dominic Smith (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

First Base: Dominic Smith

With two months left in the season, the Mets are hoping that rookie first baseman Dominic Smith will be able to go through the growing pains of being a rookie before taking over as the full-time starter next year.

The track record on Smith is that he has hit at every level through the minors, but has needed an adjustment period to get comfortable at the plate. While he didn’t quite put up the power numbers in terms of the long ball in the minors, he has already flashed that power and should be at least a 20-25 home run guy conservatively. If anything, Smith has proven that he can hit for a high average as he’s hit over .300 for his entire minor league career.

Smith has a great approach at the plate and is an underrated defender with the glove. This hitting and fielding combo is what the Mets are hoping the 22-year-old will show in 2017 and prove he is indeed a cornerstone moving forward.

The team could possible bring in a right-handed bat in free agency to spell Smith against left-handers or use Lucroy at first against lefties. However, the weak free agents and Smith’s upside will likely mean that the New York Mets will stand pat at the position.

Home/New York Mets