BREAKING NEWS: Mets’ Pete Alonso pulling for former teammate Dom Smith in Yankees roster battle

PORT ST. LUCIE — It’s been a while since Pete Alonso played with Dom Smith, who has bounced around the league since leaving the Mets in 2022.

But now Smith is trying to win a roster spot with the crosstown Yankees, and due in part to Giancarlo Stanton being out indefinitely with injuries to both elbows, there’s potential the lefty-swinging Smith will be in The Bronx on Opening Day after signing a minor league deal in the offseason.

And although Alonso doesn’t keep in touch with his former teammate like he used to, he’s pulling for the 29-year-old, who split last season with the Reds and Red Sox and has three homers for the Yankees this spring.

New York Yankees' Dominic Smith runs around the bases after hitting a solo home run off St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Tink Hence during the third inning of a spring training baseball game Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025, in Tampa, Fla.

“I’m really happy for him that he’s having a good camp,’’ Alonso said of Smith, who was once considered the Mets first baseman of the future- until Alonso came along.

“Dom is a really good player and I hope they let him break with the team and give him a ton of at-bats,” Alonso said.

Smith is battling Ben Rice and J.C. Escarra, both also lefty hitters, for at least part-time DH duties to start the season after the right-handed Everson Pereira was sent to minor league camp as he plays his way back from Tommy John surgery.

Rice and Escarra can provide depth behind the plate, backing up Austin Wells, and there’s always the distinct possibility the Yankees add a righty-swinging option before the end of spring training.

For now, though, Smith remains in the mix.

Pete Alonso #20 of the New York Mets is greeted by Dominic Smith #2 of the New York Mets after he scores his solo homer.

His career peaked in 2020, when he got some MVP votes during the COVID-shortened season, when he was still platooning at first with Alonso.

There once was a bit of a debate about how the Mets should handle the position moving forward before Alonso became the full-time first baseman for good in 2021.

He’s back in Queens again after a rough foray into free agency, but Smith has had a much more circuitous journey through the majors since being non-tendered by the Mets following the 2022 season.

Smith has appeared in big league games for Washington, Cincinnati and Boston, but has also spent time with the Cubs and Rays before joining the Yankees in January.

New York Mets first base Pete Alonso (20) comes into the bench during the middle of the fifth inning against the Boston Red Sox at Clover Park.

“The one thing with Dom is he always has a great attitude and makes everyone smile,’’ Alonso said. “That’s always consistent with him. He makes everyone around him want to be better. He has a very positive personality and there’s a lot he can do to help a team.”

And Alonso hopes that happens with the Yankees.

“I really want him to do well for them and crush it over there,’’ Alonso said. “People in New York love him. I hope they give him some runway once the season starts and not just in camp and that he finds success. He deserves it.”

Related Posts

Rangers Shut Down Wyatt Langford After New Setback

іMаGe: іmаgn іmаgeѕ іn the world of bаѕebаll, tіmіng cаn be everythіng, аnd for Texаѕ Rаngerѕ outfіelder Wyаtt Lаngford, the tіmіng of hіѕ lаteѕt ѕetbаck couldn’t hаve…

🚨 TWINS NEWS: Minnesota Twins’ star Byron Buxton has ignited a home run streak that has left fans and opponents alike in awe. Every at-bat seems to carry the potential for a highlight-reel moment, and the excitement is building across the league.

Minnesota Twins outfielder Byron Buxton has been turning heads over the last two weeks, demonstrating a dramatic surge in power and putting MLB pitchers on notice. In…

🚨 TWINS REPORT: The Minnesota Twins have placed Cole Sands on the 15-day injured list, promoting John Klein to the active roster in his place. With Sands sidelined, the rotation faces a crucial test, and all eyes will be on Klein to see if he can step up and deliver under pressure.

The Minnesota Twins have announced that right-handed reliever Cole Sands has been placed on the 15-day injured list with a left forearm strain, retroactive to April 29….

👀 REPORT!! After a recent roster adjustment, Braves fans are eyeing a potential new Jesse Chavez — a pitcher capable of delivering consistency in high-pressure situations. If he performs, he could fill a crucial role in a bullpen that has seen its share of struggles this season.

The Atlanta Braves have recalled veteran right-hander Carlos Carrasco to the major league roster, just days after designating him for assignment. The move comes as the Braves…

🚨 UPDATE!! Braves fans are buzzing about Spencer Strider’s long-awaited return, but one key reason suggests caution is warranted. After rehabbing a significant injury, it may take more than one start for Strider to hit top form, and expectations could clash with reality.

Atlanta Braves fans have been eagerly anticipating the return of Spencer Strider to the starting rotation, with the right-hander scheduled to take the mound this Sunday in…

👀 BREAKING: If the Baltimore Orioles want to be legitimate contenders again, they need to address three key trends that have plagued the team. Spotty starting pitching, streaky hitting, and costly defensive errors have defined too many seasons. The big question now: can the Orioles make the adjustments quickly enough to turn promise into results?

The Baltimore Orioles closed April with a 15‑16 record, following a split doubleheader against the Houston Astros that saw them win one game by seven runs and…