As if injuries weren’t enough, now the Yankees are losing players by choice. Veteran slugger Dom Smith just opted out, deciding to test free agency instead of sticking around in the Bronx. Sure, he was only on a minor league deal, and he wasn’t in the Yankees’ 40-man plans, but his exit still stings—especially with Giancarlo Stanton sidelined. With Ben Rice now the go-to DH backup, the question is: Did the Yankees just lose a key depth piece? And what pushed Smith to walk away at the last minute?

Smith played with the Reds before agreeing to a deal with the Yankees in January. Before being demoted to the minor leagues, he batted .176 in nine MLB games last year. This spring, Smith proved his mettle with a strong showing—batting .294 with 3 homers and 12 RBIs in 12 games. While these stats demonstrate his potential as a useful depth player, he was too little to get into the Yankees’ active roster. Now that he is currently in free agency, hopefully, he will find a new and better opportunity to open the game.

The Yankees manager, Aaron Boone seems also hopeful with Smith’s new opportunity. “He came in and has done everything he has needed to do. He’s a big-league player, been great in the room. He’s performed. I feel like he’s in really good shape. So we’ll see what happens,” said Boone. Smith’s decision to opt-out comes as the Yankees prioritize younger players. Reportedly, they are preferring 26-year-old Ben Rice over Smith’s veteran presence. Rice is the frontrunner in replacing Stanton, which might have caused Smith to look for a new opportunity. 

The youthful Yankees set to breakthrough in 2025

While the Yankees are set to field a more youthful and athletic squad this year, will they make a breakthrough? Gone are the days when the Yankees were known for their big-match veterans. Younger players such as Oswaldo Cabrera and Jasson Domínguez are anticipated to step up and give the 2025 Yankees a more youthful appearance. The Yankees, however, signed a few well-known players this offseason. They signed Max Fried to the biggest contract ever offered to a left-handed pitcher. They then acquired Devin Williams, Cody Bellinger, and Paul Goldschmidt to address first base, center field, and closer.

So, a better blend of veterans and rookies will define the Yankees this season. With the Astros and Guardians still retooling, the Yankees have a strong shot at contending in the AL. With names like Fried and Bellinger in the lineup and talented prospects waiting in the wings, Smith’s path to the active roster was limited. A team in need of a veteran first baseman or DH now seems like his most logical landing spot.

While the Yankees lost the Juan Soto battle to the Mets, their new-age lineup can go on to surprise a few this season.

Do you think Dom Smith made the right call by opting out? Share your thoughts with us below!