Dom Smith opts out of Yankees contract amid roster uncertainty

Dominic Smith opted out of his contract with the New York Yankees after a strong spring training, where he batted .297 with three home runs and 12 RBIs. Despite his performance, Smith's chances for a roster spot diminished due to the Yankees' need for right-handed hitters and the strong showing of fellow lefty hitters Ben Rice and J.C. Escarra. The Yankees, who are looking to bolster their lineup in light of injuries to key players like Giancarlo Stanton, are particularly focused on adding right-handed options. Smith's decision to leave comes after he faced limited opportunities in a roster that already features several left-handed bats. The team is projected to have only one right-handed hitter on the bench, underscoring their current roster imbalance. Smith's health and performance have improved after past injuries, but he now moves into free agency to seek other opportunities.