WASHINGTON (AP) — Dominic Smith described his transfer to the Washington Nationals to a one-year, $2 million deal as a “recent begin” and stated the crew that completed final within the NL East every of the previous three seasons desires him to be the day-time first baseman with day.
“They need me to return in and play first base and simply share my information of the sport,” Smith stated throughout a video convention name with reporters Wednesday when the Nationals introduced the deal.
Along with the $2 million wage, his free agent contract contains as much as $2 million in potential incentives, in keeping with an individual with information of the deal, who confirmed the parameters to the AP on situation of anonymity as a result of monetary phrases weren’t disclosed .
Throughout his time with the New York Mets, the affable Smith cut up time between first base, left discipline and designated hitter. He believes sticking principally to his pure place at first, the place he is been blocked by Mets slugger Pete Alonso, will permit him to “be actually snug,” he stated.
“It should assist me hold a transparent head on the plate,” the 27-year-old Smith stated.
Smith hit properly throughout the pandemic-shortened 2020 season with the Mets, posting a .316 batting common and .993 OPS, however has struggled since then.
The 2013 first-round draft choose batted a career-worst .194 with zero homers and 17 RBIs in 58 video games final season whereas incomes $three.95 million. He was demoted to Triple-A Syracuse on Might 31, when he hit .186 by means of 101 plate appearances, then returned to the majors after a three-week stint within the minors.
Smith went on the disabled record on July 20 with a sprained proper ankle. He was activated on August 11 and instantly opted again to Syracuse, the place he spent the rest of the season. He didn’t play within the majors after July 16, and the Mets selected to not supply him a contract in 2023.
As for what he plans to do that yr to get again to hitting properly, Smith stated, “Simply hold controlling the strike zone and never chasing. I am at my greatest once I simply let the pitchers come to me and do not attempt to do an excessive amount of. … Final yr, I attempted to perform a little an excessive amount of.”
In six main league seasons, all with New York, he has a .246 batting common and a .733 OPS with 46 homers and 179 RBI.
Washington, which received the World Collection in 2019 and was a serious league-worst 55-107 in 2022, introduced different roster strikes on Wednesday: right-hander AJ Alexy was designated for task, whereas outfielder Michael Chavis and lefties Anthony Banda and Francisco Pérez have been signed to minor league contracts and invited to spring coaching.
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