BREAKING: Braves’ Bold Move: Sign Acuña’s Former Rival to Save Their Season?

The Atlanta Braves are no strangers to Dom Smith, and now that the veteran outfielder has opted out of his contract with the Yankees to become a free agent, there’s a real possibility Atlanta could bolster its outfield by adding a familiar former opponent. Mets fans are already pushing for Smith’s return to New York, so if the Braves swoop in, it could serve a dual purpose — keeping him out of the Mets’ hands and adding some needed depth and power to their thin outfield. Smith hasn’t played in the majors this season, but he’s been tearing it up in Triple-A. While that doesn’t always translate to big-league success, breaking into the Yankees’ crowded lineup is no easy task. He could find more opportunity in Atlanta.

Smith Could Add Depth to Braves’ Outfield

Right now, the Braves are in a position where taking a chance makes sense. Their offensive numbers aren’t terrible, but they’re not elite either — ranking 14th in batting average, 16th in OPS, and 13th in home runs.

Dom Smith won’t single-handedly change those stats, nor would he likely be a regular starter. But he offers Brian Snitker another option while Ronald Acuña Jr. works his way back to full strength. Having a dependable fill-in when Acuña needs rest could be valuable, and if Smith performs at a league-average level — as he did in both 2023 and 2024 — he’s certainly worth a shot.