Dominic Smith (baseball) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Dominic Smith
Smith with the Washington Nationals in 2023
San Francisco Giants – No. 7
First baseman / Left fielder
Born: (1995-06-15) June 15, 1995 (age 30) Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Bats: Left Throws: Left
debut
August 11, 2017, for the New York Mets
Career statistics (through July 8, 2025)
Batting average	.246
Home runs	65
Runs batted in	268
Teams
New York Mets (2017–2022) Washington Nationals (2023) Boston Red Sox (2024) Cincinnati Reds (2024) San Francisco Giants (2025–present)

Dominic David Rene Smith, born on June 15, 1995, is an American professional baseball player. He plays as a first baseman and left fielder for the San Francisco Giants in Major League Baseball (MLB). Before joining the Giants, he played for the New York Mets, Washington Nationals, Boston Red Sox, and Cincinnati Reds. The Mets chose him as the 11th overall pick in the 2013 MLB draft, and he started playing in MLB in 2017.

Early Life and High School Baseball

Dominic Smith grew up playing baseball. He took part in programs like Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities. He also attended the Major League Baseball Urban Youth Academy.

Smith went to Junípero Serra High School in Gardena, California. He played baseball there as a first baseman, outfielder, and pitcher. In 2013, he helped his team win the California Interscholastic Federation Southern Section division championship. Smith had planned to go to the University of Southern California (USC) for college.

Dominic Smith's Professional Baseball Journey

Starting with the New York Mets

Minor League Career

Smith playing for the Binghamton Mets in 2016

The Mets picked Smith in the first round of the 2013 Major League Baseball draft. He was the eleventh player chosen overall. Instead of going to USC, he signed with the Mets. He received a $2.6 million signing bonus.

Smith started his professional career with the Gulf Coast Mets. He played in the rookie–level Gulf Coast League. He hit .287 with three home runs and 22 runs batted in (RBIs) in 48 games. Later, he moved to the Kingsport Mets.

In 2014, Smith played for the Savannah Sand Gnats. This was a Single–A team. He had a challenging year, hitting only one home run.

Smith began 2015 with the St. Lucie Mets, a High–A team. He had a slow start but then improved greatly. He had a sixteen-game hitting streak. For June, he was named FSL Player of the Month. He finished the season with a .305 batting average and six home runs. He led the league with 79 RBIs and 33 doubles. He was named FSL Player of the Year.

In 2016, Smith played for the Binghamton Mets. This was a Double–A team. He hit .302 with 14 home runs and 91 RBIs. He also played in the 2016 All-Star Futures Game. In 2017, he started the season with the Las Vegas 51s, a Triple–A team.

Major League Debut and Early Years (2017–2019)

Smith with the New York Mets at spring training in 2016

The Mets called Smith up to the major leagues on August 11, 2017. He made his first MLB appearance that night. He got his first hit against the Philadelphia Phillies. Smith hit his first home run on August 15. He finished the 2017 season with a .198 batting average.

In 2018, Smith competed for the starting first baseman spot. However, a leg injury caused him to miss most of spring training. He spent time between the major leagues and Triple-A. He batted .224 for the Mets in 2018.

In 2019, Smith started using a special machine for sleep apnea. This helped him feel more alert and play better. He made the Mets' opening day roster. He played both first base and left field. He had a "breakout season" that year. In late July, he got a foot injury. He returned on September 29 for the last game of the season. In his first at-bat back, he hit a three-run walk-off home run. This gave the Mets a 7–6 win.

Breakout Season (2020)

Smith batting for the Mets in 2021

In the 2020 season, Smith got more chances to play. This was because of the shortened season and a teammate opting out. He had another "breakout season." He played in 50 of the team's 60 games. He batted .316 with 10 home runs and 42 RBIs. His .616 slugging percentage set a new team record for a shortened season.

After the 2020 season, Smith was a finalist for the Hank Aaron Award. He finished thirteenth in the National League MVP Award voting.

Challenges and Setbacks (2021–2022)

Smith with the Mets in 2019

In 2021, Smith's performance was considered a disappointment. He batted .244 with 11 home runs. He later shared that he played through a shoulder injury in 2021. This injury affected his swing.

In 2022, the Mets signed new players for the outfield and first base. This meant less playing time for Smith. He struggled at the plate. His batting average fell to .186. In May, he was sent down to Triple-A Syracuse. He returned in June but his performance did not improve. He was placed on the injured list in July. The Mets then acquired more players for his positions.

On August 11, 2022, Smith was sent back to Triple-A. He said he wasn't sure if the Mets would want him back. He finished the 2022 season with a .194 batting average. On November 18, 2022, the Mets did not offer him a new contract. He became a free agent.

Time with Other MLB Teams

Washington Nationals (2023)

On January 4, 2023, Smith signed a one-year contract with the Washington Nationals. He played in a career-high 153 games for Washington. He batted .254 with 12 home runs and 46 RBIs. In November 2023, he became a free agent again.

Short Stays in 2024

In 2024, Smith signed minor league contracts with a few teams. He joined the Chicago Cubs in February but was released in March. He then signed with the Tampa Bay Rays in March. He played 21 games for their Triple-A team. He was released by the Rays in May.

On May 1, 2024, Smith signed a major league contract with the Boston Red Sox. He played in 83 games for Boston, batting .237. He was designated for assignment in August.

On August 22, 2024, Smith signed with the Cincinnati Reds. He played in 9 games for them. He was designated for assignment in September and chose to become a free agent.

New York Yankees (2025)

On January 13, 2025, Smith signed a minor league contract with the New York Yankees. He opted out of his contract in March but re-signed with them. He played 45 games for their Triple-A team. On June 1, 2025, he became a free agent again.

Joining the San Francisco Giants (2025)

On June 4, 2025, Dominic Smith signed a one-year major league contract with the San Francisco Giants. He is currently playing for them.

Dominic Smith's Life Off the Field

Dominic Smith's parents are Clay Smith and Yvette LaFleur. They have seven children in total. His mother works in child care. His father is a dog trainer and groomer. Smith grew up as a fan of the Los Angeles Angels baseball team.

In 2017, Smith started a non-profit organization called Baseball Generations. This group helps young baseball players who might not have enough money for training and development.