The Boston Red Sox haven’t had a great start to the season, but it pales in comparison to some of the players who used to wear their uniform. Several former Red Sox sluggers have had a rough go since the year began and it includes a few players who are stuck in the minors.
One former Red Sox player in particular tried to find another opportunity with one of their biggest division rivals. But a shot at the majors never materialized, causing him to quit the organization over the weekend.
Former Red Sox DH Dominic Smith Opts Out of Minor League Contract with Yankees
According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, Dominic Smith, who spent time as the Red Sox's designated hitter last season, has become a free agent after triggering the opt-out clause in his minor league contract with the New York Yankees.
A June 1 opt-out clause is common for veterans who haven’t been called up to a major league roster, but Smith’s departure is unique. Smith opted out of a minor league contract with the Yankees after failing to make the club out of Spring Training, but re-signed with the team just as the season started.
The 30-year-old hit .255/.333/.448 with eight homers and 28 RBI in 45 games with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and turned it up a notch by hitting .317/.389/.622 in the month of May. But the Yankees didn’t pull the trigger on a call-up as they don’t have much room on the major league roster.
Paul Goldschmidt has had a revival season, hitting .33/.388/.486 with six homers and 28 RBI this season and Ben Rice has been a suitable designated hitter, hitting .250/.340/.535 with 12 home runs and 25 RBI.
The outfield has also been crowded with Aaron Judge, Cody Bellinger, Jasson Dominguez, and Trent Grisham holding down the fort with Giancarlo Stanton sidelined due to elbow injuries.
It leaves Smith looking for a different opportunity. The 11th overall pick by the New York Mets in the 2013 MLB Draft, Smith spent six years with the Mets before playing for the Washington Nationals in 2023 and splitting time with the Red Sox and Cincinnati Reds in 2024. Smith played 84 games for Boston last season, hitting .237/.317/.390 with six homers and 34 RBI before he was released in August.