A Good, Clean "tryout" Gets You Nothing With The Yankees

This is the fundamental problem with the New York Yankees. Every offseason, they bring in new signings while also having players who are legitimately talented, hungry, and eager to prove themselves. And here’s the kicker—they actually earn it. They have the credentials, they showcase their skills, and they perform in spring training. But when all is said and done, they don’t get the opportunity they’ve worked for.

At the simplest level, it’s like a tryout that was never real to begin with. The Yankees already have their roster filled with big contracts and established names, leaving no room for guys who actually deserve a shot. The result? Players who put in the work and earn their keep in spring training end up with nothing. It’s a cycle of wasted effort and frustration.

Enter Dominic Smith. He may not be a household name, but this spring, he absolutely delivered. And how did the Yankees reward him? They didn’t. Not because he lacked talent, not because he didn’t fit, but simply because they had too many expensive contracts they were obligated to play—regardless of performance. Sure there’s a logjam at first base, but logic would tell you that if players do well, players deserve their shot.  Now everyone is gonna say to me, “Well, they have Goldschmidt and Rice, and Rice has been raking.” Yea, well, I’m just saying, there’s always a way.

Smith should have been on the Yankees’ roster. Instead, he recognized his worth and took control of his future. He opted out of his minor league deal with the Yankees after not being added to the 40-man roster, a move that might actually benefit him. With the way he played this spring, there’s a strong chance another team gives him the opportunity the Yankees refused.

His spring training numbers speak for themselves: a .294 batting average, a .588 slugging percentage, three home runs, and 12 RBIs in just 12 games. There’s no question he earned a spot, and I hope another AL East team picks him up and he has a monster season.

I’ll be honest—I didn’t think much of Smith when the Yankees first brought him in. But I respect the underdog, and he proved himself. Whether he stays in Triple-A with the Yankees, which he still can, or finds a better opportunity elsewhere, one thing is clear: the Yankees aren’t a serious franchise.