Chicago Cubs should take flier on Mets’ first baseman Dominic Smith

The Chicago Cubs figure to be one of the central teams involved in the activities leading up to the Major League Baseball trade deadline as they have several trade chips in catcher Willson Contreras, outfielders Ian Happ and Rafael Ortega, closer David Robertson, and a plethora of relief pitchers that figure to interest contending teams.

Contreras figures to be the Cubs’ most valuable and the team that has been most connected to the team’s starting catcher has been the New York Mets.

With the Mets’ starting catcher James McCann on the injured list and the Mets already having a need for a hitter to add to their lineup, Contreras makes a ton of sense given the fact that he could serve as the team’s designated hitter once McCann returns.

We now know that the Cubs and Mets have already been engaged in trade discussions, According to FanSided’s own Robert Murray, the two teams have had conversations regarding struggling Mets’ first baseman Dominic Smith.

"New York MetsAs the New York Mets explore offensive upgrades, they have engaged with the Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs and others about first baseman Dom Smith, according to major-league sources."

Smith has struggled considerably with the Mets this season. In 152 plate appearances this season, the left-handed hitting Smith has a clip of .194/.276/.284/.560 with 0 home runs. Smith’s struggles this season are a continuance from last season when he struggled as well with a clip of .244/.304/.363/.667 in 446 plate appearances.

The Chicago Cubs have an interest in New York Mets’ first baseman Dominic Smith and that could be a value play for the team.

Smith’s struggles over the course of the past two seasons are a regression from his 2020 season where he had a clip of .316/.377/.616/.993 and 10 home runs in 199 plate appearances. Smith, through arbitration, is under team control for two more seasons and could be the ideal buy-low, change of scenery candidate for the Cubs.

Let’s be clear, Smith, by no means, should be viewed as a centerpiece in a potential deal involving any of the Cubs’ top trade chips. Smith would be an add-on in such a trade, or if anything, involved in a lesser trade between the two teams.

All signs point to the Cubs wanting to give breakout prospect Matt Mervis an extended look at the first base position next season at the Major League level. Mervis, who leads all of Minor League baseball with 80 RBIs this season, will be promoted to the Cubs’ Triple-A affiliate this week.

The Cubs may look to acquire Smith with the hopes that he finds his offensive approach again and then position themselves to where they would have their 2023 first baseman in place with Mervis and their 2023 designated hitter in place with Smith.