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.
If the Rays win more than 84 games, I’ll run across America naked
“If the Rays win more”…Something tells me you’re looking for an excuse to take off your clothes in public. Have you tried psychiatry or counseling because the Rays seemingly always win more than 84 games? That seems like a better over/under for the Twins or Guardians.
Not this year with that roster
Lots of holes and a better division says you are right. But the Rays being the Rays always scrape by one way or another… Usually by the underperformance of Toronto and Boston
You probably look like a busted can of biscuits, you aren’t running anywhere and haven’t since the first Bush was in office.
I’m better looking and more in shape than you
Sure you are, you pillowcase full of cottage cheese.
Bet me a thousand dollars then.
Sure. That sounds like a completely reasonable offer from a normal person.
I will not be exchanging pictures with you, even if you offer me $1000. You need help.
If my A’s win more than 30, I’ll be running with you
So the Rays are basically a .500 team? Ha…ha. If you start in California or NY, you’ll never make it.
Bargain Mart Rays! Patchwork baseball doesn’t work, Stu. You will never win a World Series.
“Bargain Mart Rays”…Aren’t the Rays the last AL East team to at least be in the World Series? And despite what you say, the Rays have the longest(AL East) streak of at least making the playoffs do they not?
I didn’t know there was a pennant for that, thanks.
“I didn’t know there was a pennant for that”…Yes, there’s a “pennant” awarded when your team makes the World Series, like the Rays did a few years ago.
The hate, or jealousy…whatever, is real.
Well I’m sure the GM doesn’t choose to play this way. But he has to, since their owner’s only objective is to not spend money.
They generally do a brilliant job of it too. If your owner is gonna skimp on payroll it helps to have smart people in charge. All that being said I won’t be sad if they’re terrible.
No, they have a motivation to win games.
So spending $200+ million & missing the playoffs is mandatory? DeLuca, Arnada & J Lowe are currently out till around May. Springs will be back after the All Star break. With Civale & Littel (league minimum) pitching the Rays gave up 3 runs total over the last 2 games. Smith if he ends up being a productive bench bat would end up being a very solid addition. No risk/only upside. Wonder why he did not sign a minor league deal with the Yankees?
Correct! They don’t want to build stars because they can’t pay said stars. In fact the only star they paid is currently on Administrative leave. The clear love of money and not baseball shines through to us all when Sternberg speaks to us fans.
Also correct. Mismashing a roster together for the regular season can bring success as we’ve seen, but in October the weaknesses (or nerves) of those inconsistent hitters and pitchers catches up to them and they turn into eggs. They don’t have enough consistent stars on the roster to ever be truly competitive for the World Series. And this is all coming from a Rays fan.
He looked healthy for the cubs in spring training. He hit .375. I bet he’ll be a solid bench bat for them
Why is he sliding into home from the first base side and holding a baseball ?
He appears to be wearing a glove, so he’s making a defensive play at 1st base.
Hmmm. Looking to me and most everyone else that he’s making a defensive play at first.
If you’re viewing it on the app, the title covers his left hand and you can’t see the glove.
He isnt. He’s sliding in to first from the second base side. Notice the left field foul pole in the background
Don Smith is now a significantly better player since signing with the Rays.
And he became a Don…in Florida, no less.
Could be an interesting pickup for the Rays if he makes it up to Tampa
Everyone thought Smith was valueless. Now that he’s a Ray people will say “this could be a good move”. Not that there’s no truth in the possibility.