CONFIRMED: YANKEES SIGN FORMER NY METS FIRST BASEMAN, JUST NOT THE ONE FANS WERE CONCERNED ABOUT
In a surprising twist in the baseball off-
season, the New York Yankees have
officially signed former New York Mets
first baseman Pete Alonso, but no, not
the much-discussed player that fans and
pundits were worried about. Instead, the
Yankees have brought in veteran slugger
Dominic Smith, who actually spent his
professional career primarily with the
Mets. This unexpected signing has sent
shockwaves through the fanbase and
sparked discussions about the Yankees’
plans for the 2024 season.
Dominic Smith, a talented left-handed
hitter, has spent the last few seasons
with the Mets, where he showcased his
versatility and solid hitting ability.
During his time in Queens, Smith
exhibited potential as a reliable first
baseman and a formidable middle-of-
the-order bat. He played a crucial role in
the Mets’ offensive lineup, particularly in
2020 when he posted a breakout season
with a .316 batting average, 10 home
runs, and 42 RBIs in just 50 games.
Injuries and a crowded first-base
situation in New York eventually limited
his playing time, but he remained a fan
favorite for his hustle and work ethic.
The Yankees’ decision to sign Smith
comes during a time when they are
looking to bolster their infield and add
depth to their roster. Known for their
power-hitting tradition, the Yankees have
had their sights set on increasing their
offensive potential, given their
disappointing exit from the postseason in
2023. Many believed they would target
someone like Alonso, the star slugger
known for his prodigious home runs and
outstanding rookie season accolades.
However, it seems the front office saw an
opportunity in the under-the-radar
signing of Smith, who can provide much-
needed left-handed balance to the lineup.
“Dominic is a great addition for us,” said
Yankees’ general manager Brian
Cashman during the press conference
announcing the signing. “He brings
versatility and a positive approach that
we think can help our team. He’s shown
flashes of brilliance, and we believe he
has more to offer at the plate than we’ve
seen in the last couple of years.”
What this means for the Yankees’ current
roster dynamics remains to be seen.
With the likes of Anthony Rizzo already
occupying first base and several DH
candidates in the mix, Smith’s signing
could lead to creative lineups, including
playing him at designated hitter or even
giving Rizzo spelled against tough right-
handed pitching. Still, Smith brings the
ability to perform in key moments,
which is something the Yankees value
significantly.
Fans have had mixed reactions to the signing. Some are excited about the prospect of adding Smith’s bat to the lineup, while others lament the missed opportunity to sign a more impactful player like Alonso. It’s not uncommon in this rivalry for fans to focus on the Mets’ key hitters, but Smith, while not the flashy name, surely has the potential to make a considerable impact if given a chance to play regularly.
The New York media has quickly jumped on the story, analyzing what this means for both teams moving forward. The Yankees’ strategy of focusing on depth players could prove fruitful if Smith can return to his 2020 form. Furthermore, this move may signal to the Mets that the Yankees are keen to reshape their squad and are willing to make strategic acquisitions to bolster their future.
While securing a contract with Smith doesn’t overshadow the rumors and chatter around other big-name signings across Major League Baseball, it does reflect the Yankees’ philosophy of finding value and opportunity in unexpected places. With Spring Training approaching, all eyes will be on how Smith fits into the Yankees’ plans and how he performs during the 2024 season.
For now, Yankees fans can breathe a sigh of relief knowing they secured a solid option for their team, even if it wasn’t the player they initially had in mind. The hope is that, with Smith’s energy and a fresh start in the Bronx, he might just be the piece that contributes to a championship-caliber season ahead.
