This player can make a big impact with the Braves.
The Atlanta Braves' 2026 MLB season is underway, and the ball club is looking to play a competitive brand of baseball. While the stars will lead the way, having an X-factor step up would only help them find success. That player could be Dominic Smith.
Smith signed a minor league contract with the Braves during the offseason. He ended up landing a split MLB deal. The Braves are hopeful that he can make an impact with the big league ball club during the '26 campaign.
A number of players could be X-factors this year, but Smith is a veteran who understands what it takes to find success in the big leagues. He will give the Braves a left-handed bat who can help matters off the bench while also starting at times.
Dominic Smith's Potential Impact on Braves
Smith made his debut at the MLB level with the New York Mets during the 2017 season. He struggled early in his career, but Smith later began to find success. In fact, he finished 13th in National League MVP voting in 2020 after slashing .316/.377/.616 across 50 games played (2020 was a shortened 60-game season).
Smith has been unable to replicate that success in recent years, but he has still found a role as a valuable left-handed depth bat. In 63 games with the San Francisco Giants in 2025, Smith hit .284/.333/.417 across 225 plate appearances. He added five home runs during that span.
Defensively, Smith is capable of playing first base and designated hitter. With that being said, he is also someone who can make an impact as the designated hitter or in late-game situations as a pinch hitter.
The Braves' biggest question mark is their starting pitching at the moment. Still, as talented as the offense can be, having a reliable veteran like Smith will only help matters. There is a reason Atlanta signed the veteran after all.
Smith may not make or break the team's season, but he is more than capable of playing an X-factor role. His presence on the Braves' 2026 roster certainly should not be overlooked.
The Braves defeated the Kansas City Royals to begin the 2026 season on Opening Day on Friday. Atlanta and Kansas City are playing once again on Saturday as the Braves look to clinch a series victory. Following Saturday's contest, the Braves will host the Royals once again on Sunday afternoon.