Photo Credit: Rick Nelson/MiLB.com

MLB Pipeline unveiled their rankings for the Top 10 first base prospects in baseball, and Mets prospect Dominic Smith was ranked third for the second consecutive year. He finished behind Dodgers prospect Cody Bellinger and Pirates prospect Josh Bell.

Smith, 21, is coming off his best season as a professional. While being the youngest player to play a full season in the Eastern League, Smith hit .302/.367/.457 with 29 doubles, two triples, 14 homers, and 91 RBI. In the second half of the season, Smith seemed to finally find that power stroke everyone has been waiting to see with him hitting .348/.429/.525 with 13 doubles, one triple, seven homers, and 40 RBI after July 1st. If you extrapolate the numbers from that 56 game stretch, that would amount to 38 doubles, three triples, 22 homers, and 116 RBI.

Speaking to MiLB.com, Smith said, “I want to improve every year in every category, but the power was the one thing I really wanted to showcase. It really took me until this past year to get my swing in tune with my body and learn how to be a solid run producer.” In addition to his improving offense, Smith has been noted to be a plus defender at first base with great footwork and a terrific glove. His glove and improving bat were two reasons why Smith was named to Team USA in the 2016 Future’s Game.

Not noted in the piece is the fact that Smith has spent the offseason trimming down and getting into much better baseball shape. This is yet another indication of his willingness and ability to improve as a baseball player. “I started out by going to Michigan and participating in the [Mike] Barwis training method a lot of the Mets use,” Smith said. “It’s been one of my most productive offseasons as far as getting after it. I’ve hit it hard from start to finish, so I’m pretty happy with how things have gone.”

Smith should start the year in AAA, and depending on the health of the Major League team and Smith’s continued improvement, we may very well see him in Flushing during the 2017 season. He was invited to Major League Spring Training camp for the second consecutive year, and when asked about who has been most helpful, Smith said, “Curtis Granderson would talk to me all the time and so would David Wright.”

“Lucas Duda showed me the ropes the last few years and I also worked out in the offseason with him. Even younger guys like Michael Conforto and Wilmer [Flores] pull me to the side and give me insight on how things are supposed to be done and how the game is supposed to be played. I appreciate them and the family environment.”

He keeps getting better and having that support system is surely aiding his development. It is entirely possible that the Mets will let Lucas Duda go via free agency after the 2017 season and Smith will be the every day starter at first base in 2018. In the meantime, though, Smith will most likely play the majority of this season in AAA Las Vegas.