Dominic Smith Opts Out of Yankees Contract, Becomes Free Agent

TAMPA, Fla. — Veteran first baseman Dominic Smith has opted out of his contract with the New York Yankees, a source confirmed on Friday. This decision follows a successful spring training for the 29-year-old, who has displayed solid performance during his time with the club.

Smith signed a minor league contract with the Yankees in January, receiving an invitation to spring training with hopes of earning a roster spot. He had a deadline of Friday afternoon to opt out if he was not added to the Yankees’ 40-man roster. Following his opt-out, he has officially become a free agent.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone expressed interest in re-signing Smith but acknowledged that his future may depend on whether he can secure a major league contract elsewhere. “He came in and has done everything he’s needed to do,” Boone stated. “I think clearly he’s a big league player. He’s been great in the room. He’s performed. I feel like he’s in really good shape. So we’ll see what happens.”

In 13 Grapefruit League games, Smith posted a .297 batting average with three home runs and an .857 OPS. He played multiple positions, starting seven games at first base, two in left field, and four as the designated hitter. However, the Yankees’ current lineup, heavily weighted with left-handed hitters, has presented obstacles for Smith’s bid to secure a place on the roster.

The Yankees are reportedly seeking a right-handed hitter for their bench, which puts Smith at a disadvantage. Currently, they have only one right-handed hitter projected to come off the bench, while the rest of the lineup includes four left-handed batters and two switch-hitters, both more effective against left-handed pitching.

Additionally, due to injuries affecting key players Giancarlo Stanton and DJ LeMahieu, the Yankees find themselves short on right-handed options. As a result, utility player Pablo Reyes is expected to be a strong candidate for the Opening Day roster. Reyes has performed well in spring training, showing a .324 batting average and .896 OPS.

Smith’s removal from Friday’s lineup against the Detroit Tigers followed the triggering of his opt-out clause, which starts a 24-hour window for the Yankees to potentially add him to their roster. Failure to do so will finalize Smith’s status as a free agent. Boone acknowledged the circumstances surrounding Smith’s contract but indicated that the team’s roster dynamics ultimately dictated the decision.

Although Smith showcased potential that could have earned him a position, the emergence of other candidates, including left-handed hitter Ben Rice, further complicates his situation. Boone acknowledged Smith’s efforts but remained realistic about the competition for available roster spots.

Looking ahead, Smith expressed gratitude for the opportunity to compete in New York, remarking on the significance of playing for such an iconic franchise. “There’s no bigger market, no bigger city, no bigger fanbase, no higher stage, and that’s what we live for,” he stated recently. “To have that in the back of your mind every at-bat because you know the pain you feel with each swing, it takes away some of your aggressiveness and some of your power.”