Dominic Smith, Yankees Agree to New MiLB Contract After Opt-Out Decision

First baseman Dominic Smith will remain with the New York Yankees organization.

Smith had opted-out of his contract after a strong spring training but Greg Joyce of the New York Post reported that he had agreed to a minor-league contract with the team on Monday.

Smith had signed a minor-league contract with a spring training invite ahead of the 2025 season but opted out when he was not placed on the 40-man roster ahead of Opening Day. He now will head to the minors and will be a solid depth piece if the team faces injuries.

Smith is entering his ninth MLB season and split 2024 between the Boston Red Sox and the Cincinnati Reds. He hit .233/.313/.378 with six home runs and 34 RBIs in 93 games.

His longest stretch with a single franchise was with the New York Mets from 2017 to 2022. He has shown strong ability against right-handed pitchers and can play a solid first base, so he will be a sure-handed option if injuries hit the Yankees.

The Yankees are going forward with Paul Goldschmidt as the main first baseman, while Ben Rice can be the left-handed option. Outfielder Cody Bellinger can also fill in at first base, so Smith will only be called upon if truly needed.