Dominic Smith DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

The San Francisco Giants signed free-agent first baseman Dominic Smith to an undisclosed one-year deal on Wednesday, according to the San Francisco Chronicle's Shayna Rubin. In a corresponding move, the team designated first baseman LaMonte Wade Jr. for assignment. Smith began the year with the New York Yankees but didn't play in a single game and opted out of his contract to become a free agent. In the Bay Area, the 29-year-old left-handed hitter could see ample at-bats at first base against right-handed pitchers to replace Wade as the Gigantes look for much-needed offensive production. Smith is unlikely to provide much more than Wade did, but he's still worth a look off the waiver wire in NL-only leagues because he could have a big role in the short term. The former first-rounder has a career .246/.313/.403 slash line with 64 home runs and 259 RBI in 693 games played.

New York Yankees first baseman/outfielder Dominic Smith has exercised his opt-out clause in his contract. Smith will now become a free agent after hitting .317/.389/.622 with seven homers in Triple-A during the month of May. The 29-year-old hasn't played at the big league level since the 2024 season with the Washington Nationals and Boston Red Sox. Clearly, Smith believes he's ready for another shot at the MLB level. Smith has been successful before during his career at the professional level. It remains to be seen if anyone is willing to give him a roster spot, but regardless Smith is unlikely to hold fantasy value.

First baseman Dominic Smith is returning to the New York Yankees on a minor league contract. Smith opted out of his previous minor league deal with the Yankees in March but will return to the Bronx after not finding another suitor. Fantasy managers should expect the 29-year-old to report to Triple-A and provide first base and outfield depth. Last season, Smith appeared in 93 MLB contests, with most of his time in Boston. Across this stint, the 29-year-old posted a .233/.313/.378 slash line with 22 doubles and six home runs. During the 2023 campaign, he spent the entire campaign with the Washington Nationals and held a .254/.326/.366 slash line. In 275 career games at Triple-A, Smith has posted a strong .293/.360/.455 slash line. He should be in the mix to return to the big leagues if the Yankees need additional depth at first base or in the outfield.