Dom Smith’s Yankees opt-out: Red Sox connection or pressure play?

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As the Yankees prepare to finalize their 2025 Opening Day roster, a compelling storyline has emerged from spring training: Dominic Smith, the veteran first baseman with a hot bat this spring, has officially opted out of his minor league deal with New York. His decision adds a fresh layer of drama to the Yankees’ camp and has sparked speculation about potential interest from rivals — including a possible return to the Boston Red Sox.

Smith, 29, signed a minor league pact with the Yankees in January, hoping to revive his major league career after bouncing between the Mets, Red Sox, Nationals, and Reds. While not guaranteed a roster spot, the deal gave him an opportunity — and he made the most of it in Grapefruit League play.

In 12 spring games, Smith posted a .294 average, slugged three home runs, and drove in 12 runs, finishing with a robust .857 OPS. Those numbers put him in rare air among Yankees’ non-roster invitees. Yet when the March 21 opt-out deadline arrived, the Yankees still hadn’t added him to the 40-man roster — prompting Smith to test the market.

Industry speculation now centers on whether Smith might force the Yankees for a major deal or return to the Red Sox organization.

Smith opts out in the face of no roster reward

Smith joined the Yankees‘ system in January on a minor league contract featuring an opt-out mechanism if not promoted by late March. SNY’s Andy Martino reported that this clause granted him freedom if not placed on the 40-man roster by Friday, with MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch subsequently verifying this arrangement.

Yankees skipper Aaron Boone publicly acknowledged Smith’s camp contributions.

“He came in and has done everything he has needed to do,” Boone stated. “He’s a big-league player, been great in the room. He’s performed. I feel like he’s in really good shape. So we’ll see what happens.”

Despite this recognition, Smith couldn’t secure placement on New York’s talent-laden roster, which already features multiple left-handed alternatives including Ben Rice, J.C. Escarra, and Paul Goldschmidt, who appears to be recovering well from recent back discomfort.

Yankees favors rookie over Smith

Smith’s departure reflects organizational priorities rather than performance shortcomings. The Yankees, currently navigating multiple injuries including Giancarlo Stanton’s situation, seem committed to providing opportunities for younger talent, particularly Ben Rice, who has impressed during spring action with a .283 average and five home runs.

At 26, Rice represents greater developmental potential and is viewed as a possible designated hitter solution during Stanton’s recovery. His emergence, combined with New York’s left-handed-heavy reserve options, created a roster crunch that ultimately squeezed out Smith.

This decision also suggests confidence in Goldschmidt’s health status. Had serious concerns existed about the veteran first baseman missing the season opener, the Yankees might have retained Smith as contingency coverage.

Red Sox link gaining traction

According to reporting from MassLive’s Chris Cotillo and Christopher Smith, the Boston Red Sox are exploring bringing him back into their organization. Boston’s infield depth remains questionable, and with Triston Casas returning from injury while Bobby Dalbec continues seeking consistency, he represents a familiar option.

Smith batted .237 with a .704 OPS across 83 appearances for Boston in 2024, filling the void during Casas’ extended absence. Following Casas’ return, he was released and subsequently joined Cincinnati to finish the season. Though his overall 2024 statistics (.233 AVG, 6 HR, 34 RBIs) appeared modest, his spring 2025 production indicates potential remaining value.

Career arc defies conditions

Originally a top selection by the New York Mets, Smith’s professional journey has featured considerable fluctuation. After a breakthrough period spanning 2019-2020—highlighted by a .316 average and 10 home runs during the pandemic-shortened 2020 campaign—health issues and performance inconsistency disrupted his trajectory.

Since then, he’s moved between Washington, Boston, and Cincinnati, working to recapture the form that once established him as a potential franchise cornerstone.

His career MLB statistics through 2024 include a .246 batting average, 64 home runs, and 259 RBIs across 693 appearances.

A missed Yankees opportunity?

While Smith’s opt-out doesn’t finalize his Yankees departure—New York could theoretically re-sign him absent other offers—it underscores a challenging roster decision.

Given Stanton’s absence, the Yankees might have benefited from Smith’s left-handed power and veteran presence in the designated hitter role. Instead, they appear to be investing in Rice and Escarra’s upside, both having demonstrated promise throughout spring training.

Nevertheless, losing a productive veteran on minimal financial commitment presents a potential downside—particularly should Smith land with an AL East competitor.

Near future outlook

The Yankees technically maintain a 24-hour window post-opt-out to add Smith to their 40-man roster, though such action would necessitate creating a vacancy. Should they decline, he immediately enters free agency—and with the regular season imminent, he could quickly secure a deal with organizations seeking left-handed power and first base reinforcement.

Whether Boston, Cincinnati, or an unexpected suitor ultimately secures his services remains unresolved. But following an impressive spring performance and a career defined by persistence through adversity, Smith again finds himself at a professional crossroads—potentially closer to securing another major league opportunity than previously anticipated.

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