One Mariners Trade Proposal With Each N.L. East Team

Mariners Trade Target: New York Mets 1B/DH Dominic Smith

Dominic Smith was once the 11th pick in the draft back in 2013 out of high school. He had the potential for big time power and to be a solid contributor at first base. He made it to the big leagues in 2017, but has never had a full season in the big leagues like many thought he would, and he hasn’t been too great in the majors. However, he did have a huge 2020 season.

In 2020, Smith slashed .316/.377/.616 in 50 games during the shortened season with a 166 wRC+. Even though it was a super short sample size, he still finished 13th in NL MVP voting that year. The potential is clearly there; he can be a big time slugger with a plus bat. If he can even sniff those numbers again, he could be an absolute stud. The problem is, he regressed last year in 2021.

Last season, he slashed .244/.304/.363 in a career high 145 games. He really struggled, and this is why he could be a bounce back candidate. There have been some talking about Smith being on the trade block with teammate Jeff McNeil, so the M’s could make a deal for him. The problem is, he is primarily a first baseman, and the M’s have Ty France.

If the M’s had Smith and France, they could use France at first because he is the better defender, and then use Smith as a DH. The Mariners currently have Luis Torrens slotted in as the DH, but the Mariners could use some left handed power in their lineup for the 2022 season. The only lefties on the 40-man roster are Jarred Kelenic, Taylor Trammell, Jake Fraley, Adam Frazier, J.P. Crawford, with Cal Raleigh and Abraham Toro being switch hitters.

The M’s don’t have proven left-handed power on their roster, and Smith could be an interesting way to get it. Smith played 114 games in left field last year, so the Mariners could use him there too even though he isn’t very good in the outfield. Overall, Smith is a better depth option than some of the Mariners currently projected bench players.

In this trade package, the Mets would be getting a decent lefty for their bullpen in Anthony Misiewicz (after losing Aaron Loup to free agency), and a young arm in Juan Mercedes. Misiewicz would fit on the Mets roster because they do not have a left-handed reliever on their current projected roster. Smith could also be on the way out if New York signs a big name infielder like Kris Bryant.

Interestingly enough, Dominic Smith hits better against left-handed pitching than right-handed pitching. He has a career .273 batting average versus lefties and a 111 wRC+. I believe that Dominic Smith would be a solid buy-low option for the Mariners, and someone who could bounce back. He also has good slugging numbers and he could be a decent power hitter for the Mariners from the left side of the plate, which they are lacking.

Next up is a possible trade for a starting pitcher: