Braves Predicted to Cut Ties with Recent Walk-Off Hero

Dominic Smith's future with the team remains uncertain despite his heroics.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 5:49pm

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The Atlanta Braves celebrated a remarkable victory as Dominic Smith hit a walk-off Grand Slam against the Kansas City Royals. However, a recent article predicts the Braves may cut ties with Smith at some point this season, despite his strong spring training and clutch performance.

Why it matters

Smith's versatility as a bench player and first baseman/outfielder makes him a valuable asset, but the Braves may not see him as an everyday starter. His future with the team remains uncertain as they navigate a crowded roster and potential roster moves.

The details

In a recent article for FanSided.com, writer Austin Owens predicted that the Braves will cut ties with Smith at some point during this season. Owens cited that Smith is a good bench option, but not exactly an everyday piece, and would likely be the first to go when other injured players return. However, Smith's walk-off Grand Slam against the Royals has certainly changed the outlook of his role on the team.

  • On Saturday night, Dominic Smith hit a walk-off Grand Slam to give the Braves a 6-2 victory over the Kansas City Royals.
  • The Braves will go for the opening weekend sweep on Sunday, with Grant Holmes on the mound.

The players

Dominic Smith

A 10-year MLB veteran with over 2,200 career at-bats, Smith can play both first base and the outfield. His strong spring training earned him a spot on the Braves' Opening Day roster.

Austin Owens

A writer for FanSided.com who predicted the Braves may cut ties with Dominic Smith at some point this season.

Walt Weiss

The manager of the Atlanta Braves, who may use Smith as a platoon option against right-handed pitchers off the bench this season.

Carlos Estevez

The Kansas City Royals' closer, who Dominic Smith hit the walk-off Grand Slam against.

Grant Holmes

The Atlanta Braves pitcher who will start the game on Sunday as they go for the opening weekend sweep.

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What they’re saying

“Dominic Smith is a great bench piece to have in the majors, he's just honestly not the best fit in Atlanta. And it feels like he would be the first man out the door when one of the big names returns from injury.”

— Austin Owens, Writer

What’s next

The Braves will go for the opening weekend sweep on Sunday, with Grant Holmes on the mound.

The takeaway

Dominic Smith's future with the Braves remains uncertain, despite his heroics in the team's recent walk-off victory. His versatility as a bench player makes him valuable, but the Braves may see him as expendable depending on how the season progresses and the return of injured players.