In 2013, the New York Mets drafted Dominic Smith 11th overall out of Junipero Serra High School. Three years later, the 21-year old Smith finds himself in AA as one of the best prospects in the game. On Monday, Smith played for Team USA in the Future’s Game. He would be the only position player to play the entire game at his position for Team USA.

There was good reason for it as Smith is a slick fielding first baseman who is making great strides this year hitting .277/.340/.436 with a career high 10 homers and 59 RBI for the Binghamton Mets.

Mets Minors had the opportunity to speak with Smith about how he’s has improved as a player, what life is like in the minors, and what he needs to do to make it to the big leagues:

MMN – What has been the biggest adjustment for you in playing Double-A baseball?

Dominic – Battling and grinding every at bat, just about every night you’re facing a team’s best prospect and facing future big leaguers. You’ve got to understand that no matter what count you get into there really not going to give in. You have to give your A-game every night, I think that is the big difference with so many good players and older guys in this league that have a ton of experience.

MMN – Last year was a bit of a rough start for you but this year really hasn’t been, what has changed for you?

Dominic – I think the Arizona Fall League really helped, being around older guys and picking their brains. Seeing how they prepare themselves and get ready for games. The biggest thing is just trying to get myself into good counts, taking my walks when I can and hitting the mistakes when the pitcher makes them.

MMN – Are these adjustments something that being in big league camp helped with as well?

Dominic – Definitely, I think being in big league camp really helped. Being around those guys, talking to Kevin Long, Michael Conforto and those guys really helped me get mentally prepared. I think that is another reason why I was able to get off to a good start this season.

MMN – A lot has been made of the fact that you didn’t pull the ball very much last year, it that something you worry about or have made a conscientious effort to do more of this year?

Dominic – I just let it come natural, lots of pitchers keep attacking me away and away so I just go with it. I feel like I’m strong enough to hit the ball hard the other way so I don’t really need to be overly aggressive and try to pull those pitches. When they pitch me in, I drop the bat head and pull the ball. I don’t try to be overly aggressive with that type of stuff and the Mets tell me not to. My swing and approach is to go to left center but if they try to come in I will beat them there too.

MMN – You were out there during batting practice taking balls at third and second base, do you play other positions in high school?

Dominic – Ya I pitched, caught and played the outfield a little bit. When I was in even lower levels I played shortstop a little bit. Dickie Scott told me to take ground balls at second and short all the time so that it can help increase by range and help make me a better defender. Every day I try to take ground balls at different positions to keep my feet moving and help keep me sharp.

Here is video of Smith and Matt Oberste turning double plays during batting practice.

MMN – What is travel and trying to eat like in the minor leagues?

Dominic – Long trips where we stop about half way then eat at a fast food place like McDonalds or Burger King. Then you wake up and don’t have transportation so you eat whatever is close so it’s another fast food place. Then you come and eat the spread before the game, it’s normally sandwiches like PB&J. After the game you normally get a pretty good meal but you know it’s tough be on the road where you can’t really get a nice meal. It’s definitely one of the tougher parts of playing in the minor leagues.

MMN – What do you think you need to work on to take the next step towards the big leagues?

Dominic – Maturing, gaining experience, and I feel like overall my game is better than it was last year. I’ve been hitting the ball better and I think if I continue to improve in those areas I will get closer to ready.

MMN – You lack of power or home runs is something that has been said about you in the past, is that something you worry about?

Dominic – Nope, you have to let them come. I’m 21-years old and in Double-A, where it’s more fair league so I feel like at the end of the year I will be happy with my home run total. I don’t have a goal for home runs, I just want to help my team wins games and stick to my approach and keep hitting the ball hard, the home runs will come.

MMN – Thanks for taking the time Dominic.

Dominic – No problem, happy to do so.