NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JULY 03: Dominic Smith #2 of the New York Mets in action against the Texas Rangers at Citi Field on July 03, 2022 in New York City. The Mets defeated the Rangers 4-1. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
3 New York Mets players who won’t be back next season and where they’ll go.
The New York Mets, owners of one of the best records in the majors this season at 101-61, had high expectations going into the 2022 postseason.
While the Mets were able to push the San Diego Padres to a Game 3 in the NL Wild Card Series, the club ultimately fell short on the backs of poor performances by Max Scherzer and Chris Bassitt.
The 2022-23 offseason figures to be an eventful one for this Mets team that has a whole slew of potential free agents coming up including Trevor May, Adam Ottavino, Joely Rodríguez, Edwin Díaz, Brandon Nimmo, Tyler Naquin, Seth Lugo and Trevor Williams.
That goes without mentioning the large list of players on contracts that come with opt outs or options. These players including Jacob deGrom (opt out), Taijuan Walker (player option), Daniel Vogelbach and John Curtiss (club option) and Chris Bassitt (mutual option).
With all of these potential free agents coming up for the Mets, we’re going to break down the three likeliest players to not return next season. Our first choice is not a free agent at all…
3 Mets not coming back next season: 1B/OF Dominic Smith
This offseason will finally see the Mets move on from Dominic Smith, who has long failed to capitalize on any opportunities he has been given at the big league level.
Last year was the only real shot Smith got at a full-time gig in the bigs and he finished the season with just an 83 OPS+ and a 25% strikeout rate in 493 plate appearances in 145 contests.
This season, the 27-year-old Smith appeared in 58 games at the major league level, failing to hit any home runs and driving in 17 runs, posting a .194 batting average and boasting a 62 OPS+, showing offensive regressions in essentially every major category.
With the presence of Pete Alonso at first base for the long run, there doesn’t appear to be a spot for Smith in the Mets’ everyday lineup, even with the designated hitter spot being opened up due to the likely departure of Vogelbach in free agency.
All signs are pointing to the Mets being ready for the Dom Smith Era to come to a close in New York. The big lefty has struggled to consistently produce in the big leagues and is a near lock to be dealt in the offseason.
Where Smith lands: The Chicago Cubs, where FanSided’s own Robert Murray has linked him in the past.