When Yoenis Cespedes, in controversial fashion, decided to opt out of the 2020 season because of concerns with COVID-19, the New York Mets had to re-configure their plans for the designated hitter spot. That position in the lineup was designed for the Cuban slugger, and losing him so suddenly had the team scrambling for solutions.
Last season, the Mets tried Dominic Smith, a former first round pick, in the outfield in an effort to give him more at-bats. The first base, his natural position, was blocked by some guy named Pete Alonso. Also, they used Smith as a pinch hitter with considerable success.