The New York Yankees have signed former top prospect Dominic Smith to a minor-league contract with an invitation to spring training, as reported by YES Network’s Jack Curry.
Smith, selected 11th overall by the New York Mets in the 2013 MLB Draft, was once their top prospect and had an impressive minor-league career. He debuted in the majors on August 11, 2017, but struggled in the big leagues, posting a .246/.308/.424 line with 46 home runs over six seasons with the Mets. After New York declined to offer him a deal in 2022, Smith briefly joined the Washington Nationals before being designated for assignment.
In 2024, Smith bounced around, first signing a minor-league deal with the Chicago Cubs but failing to make their roster. He then joined the Tampa Bay Rays, only to again fall short of making the roster. Following an opt-out, he signed with the Boston Red Sox and played in 84 games before being released and joining the Cincinnati Reds. Smith appeared in 93 major-league games in 2024, hitting .233 with 6 home runs and 34 RBIs.
Now, he’ll look to earn a spot on the Yankees’ roster for 2025, providing depth behind Paul Goldschmidt and offering insurance in the outfield.
Scout Likes Yankees’ Signing of Smith
After the Yankees signed Dominic Smith, Randy Miller of NJ.com spoke with an MLB scout who praised the move. The scout, who requested anonymity due to team policies, believes Smith could thrive with New York, particularly as a solid defensive player.
“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’s never hit for big power.”
Smith offers valuable experience at first base and in the corner outfield spots, and the scout sees him as a useful depth piece for the Yankees.
“I know Ben Rice hit for power last year, but then he got exposed,” the scout added. “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.”
Smith has appeared in 693 MLB games, hitting .246 with 64 home runs and 259 RBIs.
Jazz Chisholm Jr. Works Out With Smith
Following the news of Dominic Smith’s signing, Yankees infielder Jazz Chisholm Jr. posted a video on social media of the two working out together. Chisholm, who has previously referred to Smith as his “big brother,” now has the chance to become teammates if Smith earns a spot on the Yankees’ roster.
Spring training for New York is set to begin on February 12, with pitchers and catchers reporting first, followed by the entire team on February 17.
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