🔥 DOM SMITH DONE IN BRONX? Yankees Lose Slugger After Shocking Decision

The New York Yankees have maintained a firm grip on first place in the American League East for much of the 2025 season, but in baseball, no lead is ever secure—especially with more than 100 games still to play. On Sunday, the team quietly took a hit when veteran slugger Dominic Smith made a key decision regarding his contract.

After spending the 2024 season with both the Red Sox and Reds, Smith signed a minor league deal with the Yankees in the offseason. Though he didn’t make the Opening Day roster and initially opted out, he re-signed a week later on another minor league contract. Now, he’s headed back to free agency after once again parting ways with the organization.

Drafted 11th overall by the Mets in 2013, Smith has yet to fulfill the expectations that came with his high selection. New York gave him multiple opportunities before cutting ties after the 2022 season. His standout year came in the shortened 2020 campaign, when he hit .316 with 10 homers and 42 RBIs, finishing 13th in NL MVP voting. Since then, Smith has bounced around with the Nationals, Cubs, Rays, Red Sox, and Reds, eventually landing with the Yankees. Despite a solid showing in spring training, roster space wasn’t available, prompting his earlier opt-out.

After rejoining the Yankees’ Triple-A affiliate, the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, Smith posted a .255 average with eight home runs and 28 RBIs over 45 games. Even with solid production, the Yankees still couldn’t clear a path to the majors for him. With another opt-out clause looming, Smith chose to test free agency once more, hoping another club might offer him a major league opportunity.

“Veteran 1B/OF Dom Smith is exercising his out clause with the New York Yankees, a source tells ESPN,” Jeff Passan reported on X. “Smith has been at AAA and had a big May, hitting .317/.389/.622 with seven home runs. He is now a free agent.”

While Smith’s MLB resume has been inconsistent, his ability to contribute when given the chance—and his positional versatility at first base and the corner outfield spots—makes him a potentially valuable asset for teams looking to boost their roster. With limited opportunities in the Bronx, Smith appears to have a better chance of making a major league impact elsewhere. After a red-hot month at the plate, he’s hitting the market at just the right time, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see several teams show interest. Though it’s a gamble, this move may be Smith’s best shot at returning to the majors in 2025—and his next landing spot will be one to watch.