The Rays have signed first baseman Dominic Smith to a minor league contract, FanSided’s Robert Murray reports (X link). Smith’s latest trip in free agency didn’t last long, as he opted out of his previous minors deal with the Cubs just over a week ago.
With both Josh Lowe and Jonathan Aranda on the injured list, the Rays are thin in left-handed hitters, and also thin at first base since Aranda was expected to get some time at the position. The lefty-swinging Austin Shenton was called up to be part of Tampa Bay’s Opening Day roster, though Smith provides a more experienced alternative who might represent Shenton’s ticket back to the minors after just a cup of coffee in the big leagues (Shenton has yet to officially make his MLB debut).
Smith has been non-tendered in each of the last two offseasons, with the first coming when the Mets cut him loose following the 2022 campaign. New York selected Smith 11th overall in the 2013 draft, and seemed to living up to that potential when he hit .299/.366/.571 with 21 homers over 396 plate appearances in 2019-20. Smith’s performance in the abbreviated 2020 season even earned him some down-ballot MVP support, but injuries contributed to a big dip in production over the next two seasons. The Nationals signed Smith to a one-year, $2MM guarantee last winter, though he hit only .254/.326/.366 with 12 home runs in 586 PA for Washington.
After the deal with the Cubs didn’t pan out, signing with Tampa Bay represents yet another fresh start for Smith, who is still just 28 years old. The Rays’ history of successful reclamation projects makes it possible that Smith might yet enjoy a post-hype breakout at this later stage of his career, but for now Smith will be focused just on getting back to the majors and earning regular at-bats.