Dominic Smith Walks Away from Yankees Deal: What This Means for His Career and Future Opportunities

Dominic Smith is facing an important decision with the Yankees. The first baseman has the chance to opt out of his minor league deal today if he isn’t added to the team’s 40-man roster by the deadline. If added, he could join the Yankees as they prepare for the season.

Smith is one of many veterans with this option. Unlike some others, he isn’t categorized as an Article XX(b) free agent, which offers standard opt-out dates. While he has over six years of MLB experience, he didn’t end last season on a major league roster or the injured list, which makes his situation unique.

This spring, Smith has made a good impression in camp. He has 38 plate appearances and has hit .297 with three home runs and a double. Interestingly, he hasn’t drawn a walk yet, which results in a batting line with an on-base percentage slightly lower than his batting average. His current stats are .297/.289/.568.

With Giancarlo Stanton likely headed to the injured list, Smith could be valuable as a left-handed bat off the bench or in the designated hitter role. Alongside him, Ben Rice is also impressing, hitting .260 with five homers in 57 plate appearances. With injuries affecting key players like Stanton and DJ LeMahieu, the Yankees might find room for Smith and Rice, but they’ll have some tough choices to make if everyone returns to health.

Smith has had an interesting career path. He spent most of last season with the Boston Red Sox and later played briefly with the Cincinnati Reds, achieving a batting line of .233/.313/.378 overall. This includes six home runs and 22 doubles in 307 plate appearances. Once a top prospect for the New York Mets, Smith showed promise in 2019-20 with an impressive .299 average. However, injuries, including a labrum tear, have hindered his performance, resulting in a less favorable .241 batting average since then.

Smith isn’t the only player in a similar position this weekend. Carlos Carrasco, a right-handed pitcher expected to join the rotation, also has an opt-out. The Yankees’ 40-man roster is currently full, but they have options for the 60-day injured list. Gerrit Cole is assured a spot there due to his Tommy John surgery, and others like Jonathan Loaisiga and Luis Gil are also candidates to be shifted to make space for new roster additions.

As decisions loom, the dynamics of the Yankees’ lineup could change significantly. Smith’s spring performance will be crucial in shaping his future in the Bronx.

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