When Boston Red Sox fans heard the news that Triston Casas would hit the 60-day injured list after his rib cartilage injury on April 20, calls rang out for Boston to sign a backup first baseman, and fast.
Red Sox Nation would've taken any help it got at the time. The infield defense was in shambles shortly after the season-ending injury to Trevor Story, and the Sox didn't have the time or options to be picky. Dominic Smith came to Boston's rescue, and Red Sox fans did not expect to be so invested in him.
The former first-round pick and eight-year MLB veteran brought solid defense, clutch offense and many a Big Dom Smith Moment to the Red Sox in his 83 games with the club. Fans yearned for Casas' activation, but when his return came, the fan-favorite Smith was the corresponding roster casualty.
Smith was designated for assignment by Boston on Aug. 16 and officially released on Aug. 20. Many Sox fans hoped the first baseman would opt to remain with the organization in Worcester, but he's been released and is now a free agent.
Red Sox release fan-favorite Dominic Smith, ending fans' hopes he'll stay with the organization in the minor leagues
The #RedSox today released 1B/DH Dominic Smith.
— Red Sox (@RedSox) August 20, 2024
Smith logged a .237/.317/.390 slash line and a .707 OPS with the Red Sox. His bat heated up after the All-Star break and he batted .271/.300/.479 with five doubles and a homer in his last 15 games with Boston. His stats don't jump off the page — or justify holding onto him after Casas, another lefty first baseman, returned — but Red Sox Nation loved his attitude.
Smith embraced the city of Boston and Red Sox fans despite knowledge that his tenure with the club would likely be short. Unfortunately, Sox fans won't get to drop in on him with the WooSox, but they'll remember him fondly for his efforts and personality in his brief stint with the club.