Despite an influx of injuries this spring, the New York Yankees have had a few pleasant surprises as well, including Dominic Smith. The former Boston Red Sox and New York Mets first baseman has put up impressive numbers for the Bombers in spring training. Initially signed to a minor league deal in January, the 29-year-old’s performance could make the Yankees question what role he will have this upcoming season.
Dominic Smith Gunning for Roster Spot with Yankees
Injury Bug
With Giancarlo Stanton and DJ LeMahieu already slated to miss some time before the season has even begun, New York’s lineup is only growing slimmer, leaving room for players like Smith to fill the gaps in their absence. Able to play both corner outfield positions, Smith will be useful in the outfield if the injury bug continues to bite the Yankees. He can even be the team’s backup first baseman in case fellow new Yankee Paul Goldschmidt misses time.
There’s no harm in having a veteran bat, and a left-handed one at that, on the bench. Though he may not fit into the lineup as of today, Smith is a comfortable backup option to keep around in case of injury.
Spring Showing
Through 14 at-bats this spring, Smith has a slash line of .286/.286/.714 with two homers and seven RBI. It’s a small sample size, sure, but perhaps this year can be the one where Smith turns it around. Last season, with Boston and the Cincinnati Reds, Smith posted a .691 OPS (91 OPS+) with 34 RBI through 93 games. In his career, he has only produced a positive single-season brWAR three times, granted he has only played in more than 100 games in a season twice.
Dom Smith hits his second homer of the spring: pic.twitter.com/NXoNdRvIk8
— Bryan Hoch
(@BryanHoch) February 26, 2025
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Could his numbers this spring be a short-stint fluke, or could it be a sign of better things to come? In 2019 and 2020 with the Mets, Smith batted .299 with an OPS of .937 and 21 home runs in 139 games, by far the best stretch of his career. His defense has also steadily improved at first base over the years. So, perhaps Smith will indeed be able to revive his career this season.
Smith’s Potential Role on the Roster
Though the Yankees have hardly any room to spare on their roster, the aforementioned influx of injuries has opened up opportunities for other players to step in as the season begins. Of course, injuries always continue to happen as the season progresses, so there’s little reason to doubt that there’ll be room for Smith on the roster. The problem for him, though, is where he fits in as of today.
With Trent Grisham locked in as the fourth outfielder, Smith could fit that role if a starting outfielder goes down. He could also be slotted as the designated hitter on certain days, especially with the absence of Stanton. However, he is in competition with Ben Rice for the backup first baseman position. Though Rice is having an average-to-mediocre spring thus far, he still has a legitimate shot at making the major league roster.
Regardless of where he ends up playing, Smith could have a pivotal role for the Yankees this season, especially because of the health issues that the team faces. If he continues to rake in spring training, he’ll undoubtedly get a roster spot by Opening Day.
Photo Credit: © Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
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