Dominic Smith (SNY)

When the Mets drafted Dominic Smith in 2011, expectations were that he would be their future first baseman. Just by looking at him you could tell he had the potential. You could also see his frame which was not a part of the teams expectations. Smith came into Mets camp last season weighing around 260 pounds, the majority of it from indulging in authentic Mexican food. He realized that if he wanted to make it to “The Big’s” he would have to make a change.

This season, Smith has arrived to camp with a lighter outlook on life, literally. The 21-year old lost 24 pounds and looks to make a major statement. Speaking to the media today, Dominic Smith discussed the hard work he put into this offseason. He stated:

“There were a lot of weekends where I wanted to sneak out and get a burger or two. But I really just told myself: ‘Work hard. Fast food’s not good for you.’ Now if I eat a burger or something, I feel really sluggish. That healthy food does so much for your body, gives you energy — and I just feel great.”

As a man who admitted during the MLB Draft he’d be a chef if he wasn’t in the majors, Smith has prepared his own healthy assortment of meals. The California kid also stated he has been working to keep extra muscle for power. Last season in Double-A Binghamton, Smith hit .302/.367/.457 with 14 homers and 91 RBIs. That was his first time hitting double digit home runs. Smith may be on the verge of joining the Triple-A roster this season.

The future first baseman still has a long way to go. Even though he lost the mass, it’s his skills that the team and fans really want to see improve. However, if he can become stronger as a player and be more versatile at first, Smith might get a call to the majors sooner than expected. The timing could not have been better. Lucas Duda is set to be a free agent after the 2018 season. Until then, Smith has time to impress Mets brass with his play rather than his diet.