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Dominic Smith, a 29-year-old first baseman, has signed a minor-league contract with the New York Yankees. Smith’s recent tenure with the Boston Red Sox and Cincinnati Reds was marked by inconsistent performance, leading to his release from both teams. His move to the Yankees adds depth to their infield options as they prepare for the upcoming season.

Smith’s Career Overview

Dominic Smith began his Major League Baseball career with the New York Mets, who selected him with the 11th overall pick in the 2013 MLB Draft. Over six seasons with the Mets, Smith showcased his potential, notably in the 2020 season when he posted a career-best .316/.377/.616 slash line, finishing 13th in National League MVP voting. However, his performance fluctuated in subsequent years, leading to stints with the Washington Nationals and the Boston Red Sox.

Tenure with the Boston Red Sox

Smith joined the Boston Red Sox in May 2024 after opting out of a minor-league deal with the Tampa Bay Rays. During his time with Boston, he appeared in 83 games, batting .237 with six home runs and 34 RBIs. Despite these contributions, Smith was released by the Red Sox in August 2024 to make room for the return of first baseman Triston Casas from the injured list.

Move to the Cincinnati Reds

Following his release from Boston, Smith signed a one-year deal with the Cincinnati Reds. He was immediately inserted into the starting lineup, though his performance was limited, with a strikeout in all three of his plate appearances in his debut game. Smith’s time with the Reds was brief, and he was released after the season concluded.

Signing with the New York Yankees

In January 2025, Smith signed a minor-league contract with the New York Yankees. This move reunites him with the organization that drafted him, providing an opportunity to compete for a roster spot during spring training. The Yankees’ primary first baseman, Paul Goldschmidt, is a seasoned veteran, which may limit Smith’s immediate role on the major-league roster. However, his signing adds depth to the Yankees’ infield and offers potential for a bench role or a call-up during the season.

Implications for the Yankees

The addition of Dominic Smith to the Yankees’ minor-league system offers several potential benefits:

• Depth and Flexibility: Smith’s versatility in the infield provides the Yankees with additional options, especially in the event of injuries or underperformance from current roster members.
• Competition: Smith’s presence in spring training will foster healthy competition, potentially elevating the performance of other infielders and contributing to a more robust roster.
• Potential for a Bench Role: Should Smith demonstrate significant improvement during spring training, he could secure a spot on the major-league roster, offering the Yankees a left-handed bat off the bench.

Conclusion

Dominic Smith’s journey through Major League Baseball has been characterized by both promise and inconsistency. His recent signing with the New York Yankees represents a fresh opportunity to revitalize his career within a competitive organization. As spring training approaches, all eyes will be on Smith to see if he can leverage this opportunity to secure a meaningful role with the Yankees in the upcoming season.