Breaking News: New York Yankees Score a Jaw-Dropping Acquisition – Former A’s Third Baseman Joins the Roster! 🚀⚾️

Taking inspiration from Shohei Ohtani, Kevin Smith has revealed his signing this off-season by sharing a childhood photo in a New York Yankees hat and jersey, captioned “Headed Home for 2024.” The Oakland A’s had opted not to retain Smith after the 2023 season.

Hailing from East Greenbush, New York, Smith was initially drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in the fourth round of the 2017 Draft and later joined the A’s as part of the trade for Matt Chapman.

During his two seasons with the A’s, Smith’s offensive performance in the majors was modest, hitting .182 with a .218 OBP and seven home runs in 96 games. Despite limited big-league playing time, he showcased versatility by alternating between shortstop and third base, excelling defensively at both positions.

While his Major League offensive stats may not be impressive, Smith excelled in the minors. Starting in September 2022, he posted strong numbers, hitting .365 with a .405 OBP and 11 home runs. His Triple-A performance in the last season was equally impressive, with a .324 average, .372 OBP, and 16 home runs in 42 games.

Although Smith has struggled against fastballs in the Majors, with a .136 batting average and a .164 expected average last season, the Yankees, known for player development, offer a potential platform for improvement. At 27 years old, he may need an opportunity to secure consistent playing time, and while the current Yankees roster may pose challenges, continued dedication could open doors for him during the season.