So I opened my damn laptop again, trying to make sense of this Dominic Smith situation for my readers. Saw the notification pop up about a new deal, grabbed my coffee, and started digging. Figured I’d just walk you through my whole damn morning.
The Starting Point
First thing, checked MLB Trade Rumors. Solid place, usually gets it fast. Boom, headline right there: Dominic Smith Signs With Team. Okay, not shocked. Knew he was a free agent after that rough patch last year. But which team? That’s the hook. Clicked it, and felt… kinda disappointed. It was the Cubs? Seriously? Seemed weird after the National League East shuffle.
Digging Deeper Than Surface Crap
So, the initial report? Basic stuff. “Dominic Smith signed a major league contract with the Chicago Cubs.” Meh. Like everyone didn’t already know he needed a job. Had to find the actual details everyone misses. Pulled up Spotrac, Baseball Reference – my usual suspects.
Found the gold:
- Contract Type: Major League deal. Not some minor league flier with a spring invite. Team is committing upfront, which says something.
- Money Talk ($): Reportedly worth $2 million base salary. Seems cheap, right? But then saw the juicy bits – Performance Bonuses. Like, another million possible if he actually hits and plays a bunch.
- The Real Job: Okay, here’s the thing that clicked. Article mentioned him being primarily viewed as a First Baseman, with maybe some outfield corner work if desperate. Makes total sense with their roster. This ain’t him trying center field again.
What it Really Means for the Team (My Take)
This is where the coffee kicked in. Thought about the Cubs lineup. They needed a lefty bat, especially at first base. Bellinger bouncing around, Busch being young/unproven… Smith fits that hole cheaply. Low risk. If he plays like 2020? Steal. If he plays like last year? Only $2M gone, no big deal.
But honestly? Feels like a placeholder move. Not their big splash. Bellinger’s future is still the big question mark in my head after signing this. Makes you wonder.
The Verdict After My Mad Scramble
So yeah, spent my morning piecing this together. Bottom line after all that clicking and squinting at numbers? Cubs grabbed a cheap lottery ticket. Gave Smith a real contract, threw him some bonus cash if he surprises everyone, and plugged a temporary hole. Nothing fancy. Just practical. Good for depth, keeps options open. Bet they hope he finds even a spark of that old power against righties. And honestly? Just felt relieved I could finally close all those damn tabs.
Another day, another grind through the baseball rumor mill. Never simple, always needs pulling apart.
