After Signing Luis Arraez, Giants’ Roster Crunch Likely Leaves Dominic Smith on the Outside Looking In
The San Francisco Giants made a splash by signing Luis Arraez to be their everyday second baseman-a move that adds contact-hitting consistency to the lineup but also sends ripple effects through the rest of the roster. And one of the players most affected by that ripple? Dominic Smith, who was quietly one of the team’s most dependable contributors during the 2025 season.
Let’s break this down: Arraez slots in at second base, which bumps Casey Schmitt to the bench. That’s a tough break for Schmitt, but the Giants appear willing to keep him around as insurance in case Arraez struggles defensively-something that’s not out of the question given Arraez’s mixed reviews with the glove. Still, even with that contingency in place, the bench is getting crowded, and that likely spells the end of the road for a potential Smith reunion.
Smith’s 2025 Surge: Solid at the Plate, Steady with the Glove
Smith wasn’t even in the Giants’ plans to start last season. He was brought in midyear after LaMonte Wade Jr. stumbled out of the gate, and Smith made the most of that opportunity. In 63 games, he slashed .284/.333/.417 with five home runs and 33 RBIs-numbers that don’t jump off the page but speak to a player who gave the lineup a steady presence.
What really turned heads, though, was his glove. Smith had never been known for his defense at first base, but he played the position with a calm, confident presence that stabilized the infield. It was the kind of performance that makes you think twice about letting a guy like that walk away.
Unfortunately, his season ended on the injured list, which opened the door for top prospect Bryce Eldridge to make his big-league debut. And that’s where the roster math starts to work against Smith.
A Logjam at First and DH
Even before Arraez signed, bringing Smith back wasn’t going to be easy. The Giants are banking on Rafael Devers and Eldridge to handle first base and designated hitter duties this season. Devers brings the power bat, and Eldridge is the future-someone the organization clearly wants to give everyday at-bats to.
Adding Smith back into that mix would likely block Eldridge’s development, especially if the team sees him as a long-term solution at DH or first. And with Arraez now in the fold, there’s even less flexibility to carry another bat-first player like Smith.
The Free Agent Waiting Game
Smith remains unsigned, which isn’t entirely surprising given the number of first base/DH types still on the market-names like Carlos Santana, Paul Goldschmidt, and Rhys Hoskins are still out there. That’s a lot of veteran competition for limited roster spots.
Could a reunion still happen? Maybe, but it would likely take a spring training injury or a slow start from Eldridge to open the door.
In that scenario, Smith could be brought in to compete with Eldridge and Jerar Encarnacion for DH at-bats. But that’s a long shot.
A Pro’s Pro
What’s undeniable is the impact Smith made in his short time with San Francisco. He stepped in when the team needed him, played clean defense, and contributed at the plate.
Even after the Giants acquired Devers, Smith continued to deliver in his role. He was the kind of player every clubhouse appreciates-a guy who does the little things right and doesn’t need the spotlight to make a difference.
Wherever he ends up, Smith will bring value. He may not be part of the Giants’ plans in 2026, but he showed enough last season to earn another shot somewhere. And if that opportunity doesn’t come right away, don’t be surprised if a team in need of a steady left-handed bat and a reliable glove gives him a call sooner rather than later.