New York Mets: Biggest Needs This Offseason
By Sean Dyer
Right-Handed Hitting First Baseman
Yes, Dominic Smith is the first baseman of the future for the New York Mets. That’s why they traded away Lucas Duda.
However, Smith struggled in his 49-game debut season, hitting just .198/.262/.395 with nine homers and 26 RBI.
More from New York Mets
- Last Chance Caesars Promo: Claim $1,250 Bonus for ANY MLB Bet!
- PointsBet New York Promo: FIVE $100 Bonus Bets to Back the Yankees or Mets!
- Get $500 in Bonus Bets to Back Yankees or Mets With PointsBet New York Promo
- PointsBet is Offering New Yorkers FIVE $50 Bonus Bets This Week For MLB, NHL, and NBA Games!
- Caesars is Offering New York’s Best Sportsbook Promo (Unlock $1,250 Bonus Today!)
It is way too early to make judgments on Smith. Just look at how Aaron Judge turned things around after struggling with his first taste of major league pitching.
When looking at the splits, however, Smith struggled even more against left-handed pitching (.129/.243/.194 with no home runs and just three RBI).
Finding a right-handed hitting first baseman to platoon with Smith will allow the top prospect to ease his way into the big leagues and gain confidence by not having to continue to struggle against lefties.
The free agent market does not have much in terms of right-handed hitting first baseman, unfortunately. The trade market could be a different story, however. If the Mets can’t get a reliever they like in return for Asdrubal Cabrera, perhaps they could swap him for a right-handed hitting first baseman instead.
Next: New York Mets: Five Best Catchers in Franchise History
Again, despite their record in 2017, the New York Mets are not too far from contending. If they can add a few free agents and make a trade or two, they could be right back on track.
With a new manager, this offseason is an important one for the Mets. Let’s hope they can fill these holes and be ready to compete in 2018 and beyond.