Braves Sign Former Top Prospect Dominic Smith to Minor League Deal

Can the once-promising first baseman revive his career in Atlanta?

Apr. 10, 2026 at 8:57pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a baseball player's batting stance and swing, with sharp, overlapping planes in navy blue, forest green, and burnt orange, conveying the dynamic motion and uncertain future of the sport.A cubist interpretation of a baseball player's swing captures the sport's dynamic energy and the uncertainty surrounding Dominic Smith's future.Atlanta Today

The Atlanta Braves have signed former top prospect Dominic Smith to a minor league contract, giving the 29-year-old first baseman a chance to revive his career after several injury-plagued seasons. Smith, who was once considered a rising star, will join the Braves as a non-roster invitee to big league camp, hoping to prove he still has what it takes to be a productive major league starter.

Why it matters

Smith's journey has been a rollercoaster, with flashes of brilliance in 2019-20 followed by a steep decline due to various injuries. This signing represents an opportunity for Smith to potentially reclaim his former promise, but also raises questions about whether his best days are behind him and if he can overcome his injury history to become a reliable contributor.

The details

After slashing an impressive .299/.366/.571 with 21 home runs in 2019-20, Smith's performance plummeted in the following seasons as he battled through a torn labrum in his right shoulder, a broken hamate bone in his right hand, and what doctors believed was a long-standing stress reaction in that hand. From 2021-24, Smith's numbers declined significantly, with a .241/.311/.360 slash line across 1,538 plate appearances. In 2025, he showed some signs of life with the Giants, posting a .284/.333/.417 batting line, though he struggled against left-handed pitching.

  • In 2019-20, Smith had a breakout season with the Mets.
  • From 2021-24, Smith's performance declined due to various injuries.
  • In 2025, Smith had a solid season with the Giants, hitting .284/.333/.417.

The players

Dominic Smith

A former first-round pick and top prospect who has struggled with injuries in recent years, but is now looking to revive his career with the Atlanta Braves on a minor league deal.

Atlanta Braves

The Major League Baseball team that has signed Dominic Smith to a minor league contract, giving him a chance to prove himself and potentially earn a spot on the big league roster.

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What’s next

Smith will join the Braves as a non-roster invitee to big league camp, where he will have the opportunity to showcase his skills and potentially earn a spot on the major league roster.

The takeaway

Dominic Smith's signing with the Braves represents a chance for the former top prospect to revive his career, but also raises questions about whether he can overcome his injury history and regain the form that made him a rising star in the league. The Braves are taking a low-risk gamble on Smith, hoping he can recapture his potential and contribute to their lineup in the future.