On Sunday, the Red Sox expanded their pool of pitching prospects through a minor trade with the Pirates. The Red Sox traded infielder/outfielder Enmanuel Valdez, who was designated for assignment on Wednesday after acquiring catcher Carlos Narvaez from the Yankees, to the Pirates in exchange for right-hander Joe Vogatsky. Joe Vogatsky, who will turn 23 […]
The New York Yankees are well-prepared at first base for the upcoming season, but that didn’t stop them from bolstering their depth with a former Boston Red Sox infielder.
The team reportedly signed Dominic Smith to a minor league deal on Monday, as reported by YES Network’s Jack Curry. It’s unclear if Smith received an invitation to spring training.
Smith played 84 games for the Red Sox last season before being designated for assignment in mid-August. He finished the season with the Cincinnati Reds and entered free agency this offseason.
Initially joining the Red Sox in May to cover for an injured Tristan Casas, Smith performed solidly, hitting .237 with six home runs and 34 RBIs. He even pitched in three games to preserve Boston’s bullpen, allowing no runs. However, Casas’ return marked the end of Smith’s time in Boston. The Yankees now become the fifth team Smith has joined during his eight-year MLB career.
The Yankees have already secured Paul Goldschmidt as Anthony Rizzo’s replacement at first base, with Ben Rice and DJ LeMahieu also capable of handling the position. This means Smith will face significant competition to earn playing time in New York.