The Mets' Forgotten Man

The Sports Media Wants To Include This Emerging Superstar In Any Trade. Why?

When it comes to a topic, a writer should know what he/she's talking about. Simple, right? Basic, Hm? Not when it comes down to many sportswriters. Too many, in fact. Clickbait always wins out until the facts finally arrive to save the day.

With Steve Cohen taking over from the Wilpon family as owner of the New York Mets, the trade and free agent rumors are running amok. Baseball's annual Hot Stove League is always fun for the fans but not when some sportswriters try to light a fire using a damp sponge.

In most trade scenarios involving any number of superstars coming to the Mets, the the one player always in the mix is left fielder/first baseman Dominic Smith with the idea being if the Mets sign George Springer to play center field, Brandon Nimmo moves to his natural position in left and, with no DH in the National League for 2021 and first base occupied by Pete Alonso, Dominic Smith becomes expendable.

Their reasoning is, besides being a better fit in left field, Brandon Nimmo is also a very good leadoff hitter.  But that's there the comparisons stop dead in their tracks so, with your kind indulgence, allow me to enlighten those who have been dis-enlightened.

Yes, Nimmo is better defensively in left than Dominic Smith but let's look closer at the offensive comparison. Nimmo put up quality numbers in 2020. However, Smith was on a whole other level. Over a 162-game schedule Smith's numbers look like this: 32 home runs, 136 RBI, 87 runs scored and 68 doubles which would've broken the Major League record of 67 set by Earl Webb of the Boston Red Sox in 1931.

Smith's been improving each year and he's still only 25. If he hits like that anybody should gladly deal with whatever defensive shortcomings he has in left field. He plays hard, he's willing to learn and is one of the most popular players on and off the field. No matter how you cut it, Smith's not going anywhere and that bat is not coming out of the lineup. If the Mets sign George Springer, what's wrong with Nimmo as the 4th outfielder? A strong bench is just as vital to a contender as the everyday starters and Nimmo could also be a top trade chip at the trade deadline should the need arise. Meanwhile, the leadoff spot is in excellent hands with Jeff McNeil starting things off with those big bats looming behind him.

Bottom line: If the Mets make a deal for Nolan Arenado (or anyone else, for that matter), include Dominic Smith out.