Dominic Smith has been on a power surge recently and that was recognized by Baseball America today when they placed him #8 on their weekly Prospect Hot Sheet. From June 24th-June 30th, Smith hit 345/.387/.759 with seven runs scored, three doubles, three homers , eight RBIs and only three strikeouts. Here is what BA had to say about Dom:
The stocky lefthanded hitter might never consistently show the power you’d expect, given his position and size, but he’s starting to tap into it more, with 24 extra-base hits. His loose, sweet swing portends an above-average hitter.
With the recent power binge Smith already has seven home runs in 280 at bats which is a new career high. His previous high was six last season in 456 at bats. He currently has 51 RBI, which is fourth in the league, thanks to his .305/.355/.474 slash line with runners in scoring position this year.
Overall this year, Smith is hitting .268/.325/.407 as the Binghamton Mets fourth place hitter and one of the youngest players in the entire league. He has broken out the slump he was in late May/early June when he was getting pitched around and started pressing at the plate.
Power increasing. Just as it should with a young guy
I think Smith is in line for a very strong 2nd half.
Smith’s time frame is right where he needs to be with Duda being a free agent after next year. It would be nice to see Smith get a taste of Triple A this year. The Mets have some potential everyday players coming with Conforto, Cecchini, Nimmo, Herrera, Smith and of course Rosario.
I agree. I like Dom Smith. I prefer guys that make consistent contact, even if they compromise their power numbers. We’ll be a better team two years from now with the groundswell of young talent you’ve referred to above.
Full year in AA. Wouldn’t be shocked if he starts there next season either
I would think he will stay the year in AA, If he has a good season (which he is) I would expect he starts next year in vegas. If he proves himself ready mets may trade Duda and bring him up next year
Agreed, its kind of hard to ignore the 52 RBI till this point. He is probably getting more pitches to hit as well with Rosario getting on base in front of him
Any word on how Tapia looks. I see the stats, but how is the velocity?
Agreed that he is very likely to play the full year in AA but curious why you think they would start him there again next year (barring a subpar performance the rest of the year)
Just a Mets thing to do April/May in AA, before sending him to Vegas. Sept call up to NY
Can’t really think of too many cases where the Mets have done that where the player played a full year at a level and didn’t struggle (either with injuries and/or performance) or otherwise have something to prove at the same level.
For instance, even if Rosario continues to tear up AA, as he will have played less than 1 year there, it would not be surprising for the Mets to start him there for a month or two next year. Just don’t see it with Smith who will have played an entire year, barring a protracted slump to end the year.
Thrilled about this
Very timely, Smith with 3 more homeruns in a doubleheader today. Wow