Dominic Smith, a once-Boston Red Sox fan favorite, is once again a free agent.
Smith officially departed the New York Yankees, per ESPN’s Jeff Passan, after exercising his opt-out clause to return to free agency. The 29-year-old signed a minor league deal, which included an invite to spring training with New York in January and gave Smith an opportunity to compete for a big league roster spot. But since Smith didn’t make the cut, he instead settled for a brief stay with the organization’s Triple-A affiliate.
In 45 appearances with the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders this season, Smith slashed .255/.333/.781 with eight home runs and 28 RBIs — seven of Smith’s round trippers came in the month of May.
The Yankees, however, never promoted Smith to the big leagues, resulting in Smith’s second opt-out in the last three months with the team. He initially opted out following spring training, then re-signed before Opening Day and pursued a promotion for a second time. Smith flexed his defensive versality in Triple-A by playing left field, primarily, first base and right field — which could bode well in free agency.
Teams across the league, including the Red Sox, could be in the market for a veteran first baseman or corner outfielder capable of platooning or playing every day. Boston lost starting first baseman Triston Casas to a season-ending patellar tendon rupture in his left knee, which required surgery. The organization has since called upon Romy González, Nick Sogard and Abraham Toro to substitute for Casas, while also working with rookie Kristian Campbell at the position, too. Smith is already familiar with the team and was a beloved face at Fenway Park during last season’s 84-game run.
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Smith was formerly a top prospect with the New York Mets, but the eight-year veteran has since drifted into a journeyman’s path across the big leagues. When the Red Sox designated Smith for assignment last season — ironically enough, when Casas was activated from the injured list — Smith joined the Cincinnati Reds on a minor league deal, and he’s struggled to find his place with an MLB franchise ever since.
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