Throughout the 2024 season, the Boston Red Sox had to find ways to replace Triston Casas’ production with the starting first baseman missing significant time due to torn cartilage in his rib.

For 84 games, the Red Sox called on Dom Smith to do exactly that, and he did the job well, hitting .237 with a .706 OPS, six home runs and 34 RBIs while having to beat out Garrett Cooper for opportunities.

Boston eventually designated Smith for assignment and finished the year with the Cincinnati Reds. Now, he’s joining the New York Yankees on a minor-league deal, according to YES Network’s Jack Curry.

During his time with Boston, Smith explained that he felt an instant connection with the city and the fan base, so this move has to hurt. It’s not often that a player who spent less than a season with a team receives a standing ovation, especially if that player signs with a rival, but if Smith makes the Yankees roster, there’s a chance that he gets one at Fenway Park.

At the very least, he wouldn’t receive the boos that the rest of his teammates would.

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