In any case, it’s crucial for the Mets that Smith deliver as a highly touted prospect, as he and Amed Rosario are the only players coming out of the minors who have a real chance of making an impact in filling the many holes going into 2018.

Callis cited pitchers Justin Dunn and David Peterson, the first-round picks of 2016 and ’17, and Andres Gimenez, an 18-year-old shortstop from Venezuela, as their best minor-leaguers, and none of them are close to reaching the majors.

In any case, it’s a bit of a mixed bag for the first-rounders, but Callis said that if Smith becomes a “solid regular,” then Alderson’s success rate is comparable to the industry average, especially counting Fulmer.

That’s why it’s so important that Rosario, a highly touted signing out of the Dominican Republic, and Smith, the 11th pick in 2013, succeed quickly if the Mets are going to take a run at a championship again soon.

Collins said he’s confident Smith will continue to make the adjustment, but scouts worry the swing is a bit long to handle those inside fastballs without having to guess or cheat to get to them.