First baseman Dominic Smith has chosen to opt out of his contract with the New York Yankees after spending the early weeks of the 2025 season with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, as reported by ESPN’s Jeff Passan. The 29-year-old is now available as a free agent.
Prior to joining the Yankees, Smith enjoyed a six-year career with the New York Mets and also played for the Washington Nationals, Boston Red Sox, and Cincinnati Reds over the past three seasons. He initially joined the Yankees as a non-roster invitee during spring training and later signed a minor league deal with the team on March 31, after opting out the first time.
While with the Yankees, Smith showcased his potential in the Grapefruit League, achieving a .297 batting average with three home runs across 13 games. However, the Yankees were well-stocked with talent in the outfield and had first baseman Paul Goldschmidt established as a key player. Ben Rice also outperformed in the competition for the designated hitter role, further complicating Smith’s chances for a spot on the roster.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone acknowledged Smith’s abilities, stating that he is definitely a player fit for the major leagues and praised his performance and attitude within the team. Nevertheless, Smith’s opportunity was hindered by the Yankees’ surplus of left-handed batters, prompting the team to seek right-handed hitters.
In his time with Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, Smith thrived offensively, posting impressive numbers with a .317 batting average, .389 on-base percentage, and .622 slugging percentage over 23 games, including seven home runs and 22 RBIs while primarily playing in left field.
Despite facing challenges in securing consistent major league production since his tenure with the Mets, Smith previously signed a major league contract with the Reds after being released by the Red Sox last season, showcasing his resilience and potential to bounce back.
The news about Smith serves as a reminder of the competitive nature of professional baseball, where opportunities can change rapidly, but also highlights a player’s journey and determination to reclaim a spot in the major leagues.