The New York Yankees have signed former top prospect to a minor-league contract with an invitation to spring training, aiming for him to compete for a roster spot.
He was selected 11th overall in the 2013 MLB Draft by the New York Mets, where he was considered their top prospect and enjoyed success in the minors. He made his MLB debut on August 11, 2017. However, his major league career has been less fruitful, as he posted a .246/.308/.424 slash line with 46 home runs over six seasons with the Mets. In 2022, the Mets chose not to offer him a contract, leading him to sign with the Washington Nationals, though he was designated for assignment that offseason.
In 2024, he signed a minor-league deal with the Chicago Cubs but didn’t make their roster out of spring training. He then joined the Tampa Bay Rays, only to fail to make their roster as well. After triggering his opt-out clause, he signed with the Boston Red Sox, playing 84 games before being released and later joining the Cincinnati Reds.
Smith played in 93 MLB games in 2024, posting a .233 batting average with 6 home runs and 34 RBIs. Now, he’ll aim to secure a spot on the Yankees’ roster in 2025, providing depth behind Paul Goldschmidt and acting as insurance in the outfield.
Scout Likes Yankees’ Signing of Smith
After the New York Yankees signed Dominic Smith, Randy Miller of NJ.com spoke with an MLB scout who praised the move. The scout, who wished to remain anonymous due to his club’s policy on commenting about opposing players, believes Smith could rediscover his form with the Yankees and be a valuable defensive asset.
“This is a good signing for the Yankees,” the scout told NJ Advance Media. “Good kid. Good defensive player. Smith’s drawback is he’s not a big runner and he has never hit for big power.”
Smith, who will provide the Yankees with experience at first base and in the corner outfield positions, is seen as a solid depth addition. The scout mentioned, “I know Ben Rice hit for power last year, but then he got exposed. I’d rather have Dominic Smith’s left-hand bat in the big leagues than Ben Rice’s bat. This is a good depth piece. The one thing Smith can do is hit. He’s going to hit .250 with some doubles. He plays good defense at first base and catches what he should in left field. He’s a veteran. He’s a good clubhouse guy. And last but not least, he’s hungry because he’s never won anywhere he’s been.”
Over the course of 693 MLB games, Smith has posted a .246 batting average with 64 home runs and 259 RBIs.
Jazz Chisholm Jr. Works Out With Smith
Following the announcement of Dominic Smith’s signing, Yankees infielder Jazz Chisholm Jr. shared a video on social media of the two working out together. Chisholm, who has referred to Smith as his “big brother,” may now have the opportunity to be teammates if Smith can secure a spot on the Yankees’ roster.
Spring training for the Yankees is scheduled to begin on February 12, with pitchers and catchers reporting first, and the entire team reporting on February 17.
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