Red Sox Swing Deal With Mets & Bring In Former Mets Star

The Boston Red Sox have brought in a couple of former New York Mets on Wednesday, signing free agent first Dominic Smith to a major league deal and trading with NY for infielder Zach Short.

Dominic Smith is a left-handed hitter so he could platoon with Cooper. Probably fits the roster better than Dalbec who is obviously a righty. And Short can back up Devers at 3B, filling that part of Dalbec's role.

Sox need a 40 spot. Doubt they DFA Dalbec when they can option.
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) May 1, 2024

As noted by Red Sox beat writer Chris Cotillo, Smith, who received MVP votes in 2020 with the Mets, can likely platoon with another new recruit, Garrett Cooper, at first base. The two will keep the position warm until later in June which is when young slugger Triston Casas is expected to return from injury.

Smith, who spent six years with the Mets before toiling for the Washington Nationals last season, was granted his release by the Tampa Bay Rays earlier today after triggering an opt-out in his minor league deal. He spent 21 games with their AAA affiliate to start the year before being released. He batted .263 with a .712 OPS.

Short was acquired for cash from the Mets, and can play second, third, and, appropriately, short, and did all three evenly with the Detroit Tigers last year in 110 games. He hasn't gotten much of a run with the Mets this year, however, making just 10 appearances.