The New York Yankees, a team synonymous with winning, find themselves at a crossroads with a decision looming large. A minor league signing, a strong spring, and a ticking clock – all combine to create compelling pre-opening day drama. And guess who’s at the center of the drama this time? It’s Dominic Smith.

In January 2025, Dominic Smith, a major league first baseman with eight seasons in the big leagues, signed a minor league deal with the New York Yankees. This wasn’t a guaranteed ticket to the Bronx. It was a chance. For Smith, it was an opportunity to revitalize his career after bouncing between the Mets, Red Sox, and Reds. For the Yankees, it was a low-risk gamble on a player who, at his best, could give them valuable offensive depth.

The seemingly routine minor league deal carried a significant twist: an opt-out clause. Reports surfaced on March 21, 2025, revealing the details. Andy Martino of SNY first reported that Smith could opt out of his contract if not added to the Yankees’ 40-man roster by the end of that day. Bryan Hoch of MLB.com confirmed, tweeting: “Dom Smith can opt out of his Yankees contract if he is not added to the 40-man roster today. First: @martinonyc.”

Why the opt-out? The other part of the equation lies with Ben Rice, another left-handed hitter competing for a similar role. Rice struggled in his first 50 games as a rookie in 2024, batting only. 171 along with seven home runs. While he showed power potential, evidenced by a three-homer game, his inconsistency led to a demotion. However, Rice’s impressive. 283 and five home runs in this spring season, made things complicated.

Performance vs. circumstance: the Dominic Smith dilemma

On the other hand, Dominic Smith’s career has been a mix of brilliance and inconsistency. The Mets drafted him, and he had some promise in 2019 and 2020, when he especially excelled in the shortened 2020 campaign, hitting for a. 316 average and 10 home runs. In subsequent seasons, though, his performance dipped. He spent time with the Nationals, Red Sox, and Reds, experiencing varying degrees of success. In 2023, he played a career high 153 games in a single season.

His overall stats for 2024 with two clubs were modest — a. 233 with six home runs and 34 RBIs in 93 games. Smith’s overall MLB numbers– a .246 average, 64 home runs, and 259 RBIs over 693 games speak of this up-and-down trajectory of his career.

Throughout the 2025 spring training, Dominic Smith did everything he could to force the Yankees’ hand. He hit consistently, showcasing the power that had once made him a highly touted prospect. Reports varied slightly, but all pointed to a batting average of around .300, with multiple home runs and solid RBI production. He was, by all accounts, making a strong case for a spot on the major league roster. He was showing good composure.

Circumstances appeared to work in Smith’s favor despite the competition. The Yankees dealt with a parade of injuries, including their ace, Gerrit Cole, who was lost for the season, and pitchers Jonathan Loaisiga and Luis Gil also sidelined. That left potential openings on the 40-man roster. As if that weren’t enough to stoke the flames, Smith’s ex-Mets teammate, Pete Alonso, offered a public endorsement, saying that he deserved a spot. That external validation was complementary to Smith’s strong spring showing.

Now the question lingers: Do the New York Yankees add Dominic Smith to the 40-man roster, rewarding his strong spring and potentially adding a valuable left-handed bat to their lineup? Or do they risk losing him to free agency, potentially seeing him thrive with another team?