Dominic Smith's tenure with the Boston Red Sox was short but memorable, not just because he'll be enshrined as a member of the 2024 squad in the upcoming Netflix docuseries, but because Smith endeared himself to Boston fans quickly.
He took over for fan-favorite first baseman Triston Casas with a smile on his face despite knowing that he likely wasn't long for the job. His positive attitude was so infectious that fans made signs and started rallying cries for the Sox to keep him around even after Casas returned. Alas, they did not, and he played nine games for the Reds before becoming a free agent this offseason.
On Jan. 13, Smith signed a minor league deal with the New York Yankees, first reported by Jack Curry of YES Network. Smith — a longtime Met — broke many Red Sox and Mets fans' hearts by signing with the Yankees. It is not yet confirmed if Smith has been invited to big league spring training.
Smith will serve as yet another depth option at first base for New York after Anthony Rizzo became a free agent after last season. The Yankees also signed Paul Goldschmidt and Cody Bellinger earlier this winter. Ben Rice and Oswaldo Cabrera round out their options at first base.
Red Sox fan favorite Dominic Smith signs minor league deal with Yankees, likely invite to spring training
Dom Smith has signed a minor league deal with the Yankees. The former Met played for the Red Sox and Reds last season and had 6 HRs and a .691 OPS in 93 games.
— JackCurryYES (@JackCurryYES) January 13, 2025
Smith batted .233/.313/.378 with a .691 OPS over 93 games between the Red Sox and Reds in 2024. All six of his home runs came during his time with Boston and he put the Green Monster to good use to rack up 20 doubles.
Smith's 2024 stats don't jump off the page, but he supplied the Red Sox with many a Big Dom Smith Moment. From solid defense to clutch hits, a zero ERA and excellent slides, the 29-year-old's part in the Sox's 2024 story won't soon be forgotten. Red Sox Nation wishes Smith well, even if he signed with the Yankees.