The New York Yankees have made a calculated offseason move, signing former Mets and Red Sox first baseman/outfielder Dominic Smith to a minor league deal. The signing reflects the Yankees’ focus on roster depth and exploring undervalued talent, a strategy they’ve embraced in recent seasons to address potential vulnerabilities over the long grind of a 162-game campaign.

“Dom Smith has signed a minor league deal with the Yankees,” insider Jake Curry reported first. “The former Met played for the Red Sox and Reds last season and had 6 HRs and a .691 OPS in 93 games.”

Dominic Smith: Yankees’ reclamation project with upside

Dom Smith, once a promising star for the New York Mets, has faced a tumultuous career trajectory over recent years. After a standout 2020 season during which he slashed an impressive .316/.377/.616 with 10 home runs and 42 RBIs in 50 games, Smith struggled to sustain that level of success. Inconsistent playing time, injuries, and declining performance led to a steep drop in his production, prompting the Mets to move on from him after the 2022 season.

Smith’s stint with the Washington Nationals in 2023 showed some signs of revival. He hit .254 with a .327 on-base percentage, though his power numbers remained muted with only seven home runs.

He was a clubhouse leader for the youthful Red Sox last season after joining the team on May 1, 2024. Smith hit .237/.317/.390 in 83 games for Boston with six home runs and 34 RBIs. The first baseman even memorably stepped in as a relief pitcher on multiple occasions when the Red Sox bullpen was suffering from a health crisis.

The return of Triston Casas from the injured list ultimately doomed Smith’s spot on Boston’s roster, however. The Red Sox released him on August 20, and two days later, the Cincinnati Reds scooped him up but designated Smith for assignment on September 2. Despite this, Smith’s defensive abilities, particularly at first base, have continued to earn praise, making him a potentially valuable depth piece for the Yankees.

 “Dom has shown flashes of being a difference-maker at the plate,” a source within the Yankees organization said. “We’re optimistic about what he can bring to the table if he’s able to rediscover his rhythm.”

By signing Smith to a minor league deal, the Yankees incur little financial risk while offering the 28-year-old slugger an opportunity to revive his career. Smith is expected to begin the season at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, but he could find his way to the Bronx if injuries or underperformance create openings on the major league roster.

Why the Yankees took the gamble

The Yankees’ roster construction for 2025 emphasizes flexibility and depth, and Smith fits this mold perfectly. The team’s 2024 season was riddled with offensive woos caused by injuries at first base, underscoring the importance of having capable backups ready to step in. Smith’s left-handed bat also adds a layer of balance to a Yankees lineup that has historically leaned heavily on right-handed power hitters.

Beyond his offensive potential, Smith’s strong defensive skills at first base could provide much-needed insurance behind Paul Goldschmidt. The veteran’s advancing age makes it essential for the Yankees to have a reliable backup option, and Smith’s glove work fits the bill.

“Depth is everything in today’s game,” noted an MLB insider. “The Yankees aren’t just looking for superstars; they’re looking for players who can step up when called upon, and Dom Smith has that potential.”

The battle for 1B depth: Dominic Smith vs. Ben Rice

The New York Yankees have positioned themselves for an intriguing competition at first base heading into spring training. With the signing of Dom Smith to a minor league deal and the rise of promising rookie Ben Rice, the team faces a pivotal decision in determining who will back up veteran Paul Goldschmidt.

Both Smith and Rice bring distinct strengths to the table, setting up a fascinating battle that could shape the Yankees’ depth chart for the 2025 season.

Veteran Dom Smith for the Yankees

Dom Smith, a seasoned major leaguer, brings a wealth of experience to the Yankees’ camp. At 28, Smith has already endured the highs and lows of an MLB career. From a stellar 2020 campaign with the Mets to recent struggles, Smith is now looking to revitalize his career with the Yankees.

Over 307 plate appearances last year, the one-time Met had 64 hits (.233 average) with 22 doubles and six home runs (.378 slugging) with 34 RBIs. He struck out 76 times to just 28 walks and posted a .691 OPS (91 OPS+ and 93 wRC+). While these numbers are modest, his versatility and past success keep him in the conversation for a roster spot.

Though his career began with outfield duties, Smith has evolved into a reliable defensive first baseman over recent seasons, making all 231 of his starts at the position during the past three years.

His glove work has been particularly noteworthy, with advanced metrics painting a picture of above-average defensive prowess. Smith’s performance placed him in the 76th percentile for Outs Above Average in 2024, following a strong showing in the 68th percentile during the 2023 campaign.

Beyond his defensive contributions, Smith’s left-handed bat could provide crucial balance to a Yankees lineup that skews heavily right-handed. While his power production has seen a decline, his career .316 on-base percentage hints at an approach that could prove valuable if he rediscovers his offensive groove.
The veteran’s experience, spanning more than 500 major league games, offers a seasoned complement to Ben Rice’s developing profile. This blend of proven reliability and upside adds a new dimension to the Yankees’ first base insurance policy heading into the season.

Rookie Ben Rice for the Yankees

AP Photo/Pamela Smith
Ben Rice’s inaugural MLB campaign with the Yankees in 2024 painted a picture of raw talent finding its footing in the big leagues. Called up on June 18 to step in for an ailing Anthony Rizzo, the rookie backstop-turned-first baseman etched his name in franchise lore during a memorable 50-game stint in pinstripes.

The highlight of Rice’s season came on July 5, when he powered his way into the Yankees’ record books by becoming the first rookie in team history to launch three home runs in a single game. This power display offered a glimpse of his offensive ceiling, though consistency proved elusive throughout his major league tenure.

Across 152 at-bats, Rice’s numbers reflected the typical challenges faced by young players adjusting to major league pitching. His .171 batting average and .613 OPS came alongside seven home runs and 23 RBIs, suggesting both his potential for impact and areas needing refinement.

Defensively, Rice showed adaptability in his transition to first base, a position still relatively new to his skill set. While his effort drew praise, the learning curve remained evident throughout his time in the Bronx.

Yankees’ first base depth chart

Smith’s primary advantage lies in his defensive consistency and experience. If Goldschmidt were to miss time, Smith could provide a steady presence at first base. His veteran status also makes him a safer option for high-pressure situations.

Rice offers tantalizing offensive potential and developmental upside. If the Yankees prioritize injecting youth into their roster, Rice could earn the nod, especially if he continues to rake during spring training.

Spring training to decide the road ahead

Smith’s performance in spring training will be critical in determining his role with the organization. While he’s expected to start the season in the minors, a strong showing in camp could force the Yankees to reconsider. With Anthony Rizzo entrenched as the starting first baseman, Smith’s clearest path to the majors might be as a bench option or injury replacement.

The Yankees are also likely to experiment with Smith in a corner outfield role, adding to his versatility. If he can prove himself capable of handling multiple positions, his chances of making the big-league roster will improve significantly.

The Yankees’ signing of Dom Smith reflects a strategic approach to roster-building that prioritizes depth and versatility. While Smith’s recent struggles cannot be ignored, his past success and defensive prowess make him a compelling reclamation project. For Smith, the deal represents a chance to revive his career with one of baseball’s most storied franchises.