Yankees Lose Player After 18-2 Loss to Dodgers

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | Last updated Jun 1, 2025 6:27 PM ET

The New York Yankees were blown out in LA on Saturday, falling 18-2 to the Los Angeles Dodgers. It is always highly anticipated when these two teams meet, but this matchup was especially notable since these two teams faced off in the 2024 World Series.

Los Angeles defeated New York in five games last October, and have continued that dominance through two games this weekend. Taking the series opener 8-5, Los Angeles followed that performance with a dominant 18-2 victory on Saturday.

The Yankees have already added one reinforcement ahead of Sunday's game, recalling Carlos Carrasco, but another potential Triple-A option is now off the table.

Before the season began, the Yankees signed former New York Mets star Dominic Smith to a Minor League contract. He did not break Spring Training with the MLB club, but has been solid with Triple-A Scranton this season.

In 45 games, Smith owns a .782 OPS with eight home runs and 28 RBIs. Five years removed from the shortened 2020 campaign in which he posted a .992 OPS, Smith has been searching for that form again, and may now be also looking for a new organization as well.

On Sunday, ESPN's Jeff Passan announced Smith has exercised his opt-out clause with New York, making him a free agent.

Veteran 1B/OF Dom Smith is exercising his out clause with the New York Yankees, a source tells ESPN. Smith has been at AAA and had a big May, hitting .317/.389/.622 with seven home runs. He is now a free agent.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) June 1, 2025

While the Yankees are not necessarily in need of offense, entering Sunday with the second-best team OPS (.812) in baseball, losing Smith does hurt their organizational depth. As New York has already experienced this season, injuries happen at the MLB level and can create opportunities for players in the minors.

Given his recent production, Smith seemingly feels that opportunity could come for him somewhere else.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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