The Atlanta Braves have signed veteran outfielder Dominic Smith to a minor league contract, adding depth to their outfield as they navigate Ronald Acuña Jr.’s recovery from injury. Smith, a former first-round pick by the New York Mets, has spent time with the Washington Nationals, Boston Red Sox, and Cincinnati Reds over the past three seasons. He opted out of his minor league contract with the New York Yankees on June 1, 2025, after a solid stint with their Triple-A affiliate, the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, where he slashed .255/.333/.448 with eight home runs and 28 RBIs in 45 games .
Known for his left-handed bat and defensive versatility, Smith has experience playing both first base and left field. His familiarity with National League East opponents, particularly the Mets, adds value to the Braves’ roster. While he may not be an everyday starter, Smith’s presence provides manager Brian Snitker with a reliable option to give Acuña Jr. occasional rest and to navigate matchups against division rivals .
The Braves’ offense has shown signs of inconsistency this season, ranking 14th in batting average, 16th in on-base plus slugging (OPS), and 13th in home runs. Smith’s addition aims to bolster the lineup during Acuña Jr.’s absence and to provide a strategic advantage over division rivals. His experience and versatility make him a valuable asset as the Braves continue their pursuit of postseason contention .
Smith’s journey through various organizations reflects his adaptability and determination. After his tenure with the Mets, he contributed to the Nationals, Red Sox, and Reds, showcasing his ability to adjust to different team dynamics and playing styles. His recent performance in Triple-A demonstrates his readiness to contribute at the major league level, and the Braves are hopeful that his experience will translate into impactful play as they navigate the challenges of the season.
The Braves have a series against the Arizona Diamondbacks starting Tuesday, June 3, followed by road games against the San Francisco Giants and Milwaukee Brewers. These matchups will test the team’s adaptability and depth as they integrate Smith into the lineup and continue to manage Acuña Jr.’s recovery. Smith’s addition provides the Braves with a seasoned player capable of stepping into various roles, offering flexibility and experience as they aim to remain competitive in the playoff race.
With the Braves trailing the division-leading New York Mets by over nine games, the addition of Smith could provide the necessary depth and experience to maintain their competitive edge. As the season progresses, the Braves will look to integrate Smith into their lineup strategically, leveraging his versatility and experience to navigate the challenges ahead. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Smith’s presence impacts the Braves’ performance in the coming weeks
