ESPN: The New York Yankees lose veteran slugger after major contract decision.

Although the New York Yankees have been at the top of the American League East for the most of the 2025 season thus far, no lead in the MLB rankings is ever safe, particularly with more than 100 games remaining in the season. In light of this, veteran slugger Dominic Smith delivered the franchise a surprise blow on Sunday afternoon when he made a significant choice regarding his contract.

Smith signed a minor-league deal with the Yankees over the summer after playing for the Boston Red Sox and Cincinnati Reds in 2024. Smith chose to opt out of his contract after failing to make the team’s Opening Day roster, but a week later he signed a new minor-league contract with New York. However, with the most recent transaction involving him and the Yankees, he is once again available for purchase.

The New York Mets originally picked Smith with the 11th overall choice in the 2013 MLB draft, but he has never been able to reach his full potential in the major leagues. After the 2022 season, the Mets decided to let Smith go, despite giving him many opportunities to improve. He had his greatest season in 2020, finishing 13th in the National League MVP race with a.316 batting average, 10 home runs, and 42 runs batted in.

Prior to joining the Yankees, Smith played for the Tampa Bay Rays, Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, Washington Nationals, and Reds. Smith produced a solid body of work while training with New York in the spring, but in the end, they were unable to find a position on the roster for him, so he opted out as previously reported.

After rejoining the Yankees and playing for the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders in Triple-A, Smith hit.255 with eight home runs and 28 runs batted in 45 games, but the Yankees still didn’t have a spot in the majors, so he decided to test the waters of free agency and see if he could sign with another team in the majors.

Jeff Passan wrote on X, “A source tells ESPN that veteran 1B/OF Dom Smith is exercising his out clause with the New York Yankees.” Smith, who has been at AAA, had a successful May. 317, 389, 622, and seven home runs. He is a free agent now.

Although Smith hasn’t exactly had much success in the major leagues, clubs who need help at first base or at either of the corner outfield positions may find him appealing because he is a seasoned player who has shown he can hold his own when called upon. Smith probably has a greater chance of making an impact with a different team because the route to the major leagues in New York appears to be rather clogged.

Smith is hitting the open market at the ideal moment after hitting a hot bat in May, and a number of teams may be interested in bringing him to town to bolster their lineup. Without a doubt, Smith is taking a little risk here, but it’s probably his best chance to return to the majors this season, so it will be interesting to watch where he ends up.