According to Robert Murray of FanSided, the Chicago White Sox are one of five teams interested in first baseman Dominic Smith.
On paper, Smith’s fit with the White Sox is somewhat unclear. Andrew Vaughn figures to be the starting first baseman, and Smith’s only viable positions otherwise are designated hitter or left field (which he has not played since 2021). Eloy Jimenez figures to split time between designated hitter and right field. Smith could serve as a left-handed bench bat, but Gavin Sheets also may occupy that role.
While Smith is not coming off a particularly memorable year with the Nationals, he did hit .263/.338/.398 (.737 OPS) against right-handed pitchers over 414 plate appearances. As a left-handed hitter, Smith’s struggles were predictably against southpaws, as he had just a .588 OPS against left-handed pitchers in 172 plate appearances.
Late last season, Smith and then White Sox pitcher Mike Clevinger exchanged words after Smith’s ninth inning home run, which ended Clevinger’s quest for a shutout.
It is unclear whether Smith is seeking a MLB deal, or if his market will allow for a minor league contract. Either way, considering the White Sox were the only team directly named in Murray’s report, it will be interesting to see whether or not a signing comes to fruition.
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