5 recent non-tenders who are perfect fits for the Cubs

5 non-tenders who are perfect fits for the Cubs: #2 - Dominic Smith

Two years ago during the COVID-shortened 2020 campaign, Dominic Smith put it all together at the dish. The former first-rounder was a force to be reckoned with, turning in a 168 OPS+ on the heels of a 2019 season in which he posted an .881 OPS in 89 games. But over the last two years, the first baseman's power has totally evaporated - ending his time with the Mets this week.

Smith's name was mentioned quite a bit in the days leading up to this summer's trade deadline, when the Cubs were reportedly discussing a deal with the Mets that would have sent both Willson Contreras and David Robertson to Queens. Of course, that never came to pass. Contreras spent the rest of the year running out the clock in Chicago and Robertson returned to the pennant-winning Phillies.

All told, it was a forgettable 2022 for Smith, who batted just .194 on the year and earned an early-season demotion to Triple-A Syracuse. He played 58 games with the big league club and 54 with Syracuse, where his bat was notably improved, evidenced by a .284/.367/.473 slash line.

The left-handed-hitting slugger won't turn 28 until next summer and, if the Cubs believe they can help him tap into that power stroke once again, could be a welcome addition at first base/DH, where Chicago lacks impact offensive talent. Again, the ideal path forward would be a Jose Abreu signing, but you have to have backup plans and Smith fits the bill nicely.