Braves predicted to part ways with $1.25M historic lefty when Sean Murphy, Ha-Seong Kim return originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Atlanta Braves were expected to add one or two more starting pitchers before the season began. Instead, they went in a different direction, taking a chance on Dominic Smith and giving him an opportunity to make the Opening Day roster.

“The Braves have added veteran infielder Dominic Smith as a non-roster invite to spring training. Smith appeared in 63 games with the Giants in 2025,” AJC’s Chad Bishop wrote.

Smith had a few things go his way in making the roster, including Jurickson Profar being suspended for the entire season. He also helped his own case with strong hitting, ultimately earning a $1.25 million contract. In his Braves debut, Smith made an immediate impact, hitting a walk-off grand slam to introduce himself to the Atlanta faithful.

“Dominic Smith is the first player in MLB history to hit a walk-off grand slam in his team debut, per Elias,” the Braves posted.

The Braves are currently dealing with several injuries, with players like Spencer Strider, Ha-Seong Kim, and Sean Murphy sidelined. Once those players return, there is growing belief that Smith could be the odd man out as the Braves look to reshape their roster.

“Surely the Braves would hope to keep a player who is performing at this level. But it's tough to see him remaining with the club, especially with Sean Murphy and Ha-Seong Kim returning in the next month or so. That will make it hard to keep Smith on the roster, besides being a bench bat. He certainly has value as a lefty power bat off the bench, but if Atlanta can improve the team in any way, they'll absolutely move him,” HTHB’s Steven Teal wrote.

The Braves have benefited from Smith’s early-season production, as he has proven to be a reliable bat in the lineup. However, there may come a point when Atlanta no longer has a clear role for him.

If that happens, the Braves could explore trade options, with Smith potentially serving as a key piece. There is no doubt he has shown he still has it, and teams around the league are likely taking notice.

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