Dom Smith’s Uncertain Journey: A Red Sox Reunion on the Horizon?
Major League Baseball’s transactional landscape often resembles a rollercoaster ride—one moment, a player is soaring with a team, and the next, they find themselves searching for stability. Currently, that describes Dom Smith’s career as he re-emerges in the spotlight. Once considered a key figure in the New York Mets organization and a promising young star, Smith has spent recent years navigating the uncertainties of professional baseball. Now, speculation is growing about a potential return to the Boston Red Sox, a move that could provide him with the stability he has been seeking.
A Rollercoaster Career: From Mets Star to Journeyman
Dom Smith’s journey began when the New York Mets selected him 11th overall in the 2013 MLB Draft. He showed immense potential, particularly during the shortened 2020 season when he posted an impressive .311 batting average with a .993 OPS, earning MVP consideration. However, in the seasons that followed, he struggled to maintain that level of performance, leading to his eventual release by the Mets.
There are some in the red Sox organization who believe a reunion with Dom Smith may make sense, according to @ChrisCotillo and @SmittyOnMLB.
Dom just opted out of his deal with the Yankees. pic.twitter.com/mh22ooBvkA
— Boston Sports Gordo (@BOSSportsGordo) March 21, 2025
Since then, Smith has bounced between teams in search of a consistent role. In May 2024, the Boston Red Sox brought him in to strengthen their lineup following a series of injuries. Later, in January 2025, he signed a minor league contract with the New York Yankees. However, as the start of the 2025 MLB season approaches, Smith has decided to opt out of his Yankees deal, fueling rumors of a return to the Red Sox.
According to reports, members of the Red Sox organization believe that bringing Smith back would be a logical move. With opening day just around the corner, the potential reunion is gaining traction.
Smith’s Impressive Spring Training Performance
Despite his inconsistent career path, Smith has shown glimpses of his former self. In spring training, he delivered an outstanding performance, batting .297 with a .857 OPS over 37 at-bats. These numbers serve as a reminder of the talent that once made him a top prospect. However, with the Yankees’ roster already crowded with left-handed hitters, securing a spot on the team was a challenging task. Recognizing the tough competition, Smith exercised his opt-out clause, leaving the door open for a possible return to Boston.
Why the Red Sox Might Want Smith Back
A return to Boston could provide a much-needed boost to the Red Sox’s roster. Triston Casas currently holds the starting first-base position, but his injury history raises concerns. Casas, a player with significant potential, managed to hit 13 home runs in 2024, yet injuries limited him to just 63 games. Given this uncertainty, bringing back Smith could serve as a valuable insurance policy, ensuring depth and experience at first base.
From a financial perspective, re-signing Smith would be a low-risk, high-reward move. His previous contract with the Red Sox in 2024 was worth $2.2 million, and a new deal would likely fall within a similar range. Additionally, Smith already has familiarity with the team’s system, which could ease his transition back into the lineup.
Will This Reunion Finally Provide Stability for Smith?
As the 2025 MLB season nears, teams are making final roster decisions that could shape their campaigns. For Dom Smith, his journey has been filled with both setbacks and flashes of brilliance. A return to the Red Sox offers a potential redemption story—an opportunity for both the player and the organization to benefit from unfinished business.
For Boston, adding Smith would bolster their depth with a battle-tested player. The question remains: Will this reunion finally give Dom Smith the stability he has been searching for, or will it be another temporary stop in his unpredictable career?