The Braves have signed first baseman Dominic Smith to a minor league deal, according to Chad Bishop of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Smith, a former first-round pick and top prospect, is a non-roster invitee to big league camp. Despite a promising start in 2019-20, where he slashed .299/.366/.571 with 21 homers in 396 plate appearances for the Mets, Smith's career took a downturn due to injuries. In 2021-24, his performance regressed significantly, with 1538 major league plate appearances resulting in a .241/.311/.360 batting line. However, the 2025 season saw a resurgence, as Smith posted an impressive .284/.333/.417 batting line in 225 plate appearances with the Giants, despite struggling against left-handed pitchers. His performance with the Yankees' Triple-A club further solidified his potential, with a .255/.333/.448 line in 45 games. Smith's journey showcases the impact of injuries on a player's career trajectory, and his resilience in the face of setbacks is a testament to his determination.
