The Washington Nationals made a solid bargain move early in the offseason when they signed veteran slugger Dominic Smith to a one-year contract.
The 27-year-old had spent the first six seasons of his career with the New York Mets and was a free agent for the first time.
Ultimately, the first baseman and outfielder ended up in Washington.
But Smith is excited for the 2023 season and is ready to show what he can do with a new organization.
This afternoon, MLB Network analysts Robert Flores and Cliff Floyd stopped by the Nationals spring training complex and caught up with Smith, who discussed what the free agency process was like and expressed his excitement for a new beginning.
"I just can't wait to go out there and show what I can do."
Dom Smith is ready to get to work with the @Nationals 😤#SpringTraining | @RoFlo | @CliffFloyd30 pic.twitter.com/v7tcZ8Xq4p
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) February 21, 2023
Smith talked about what ultimately drew him to the Nationals.
For Smith, it was clear that GM Mike Rizzo and manager Dave Martinez wanted him to come play in Washington.
The veteran slugger described that as something every player wants to hear from teams when they’re going through the free agency process.
He also discussed the young core of stars that the Nationals are building, one that includes CJ Abrams, Riley Adams, Carter Kieboom, Joey Meneses, Lane Thomas, Victor Robles, and Luis Garcia.
Smith believes he can be somewhat of a mentor for some of these young stars and show what he can do on a baseball field, stating that he felt Washington was a perfect fit for him.
Smith hit just .194 with the Mets in 2022.
But when healthy, he can provide power from the left side of the plate.
NEXT: Wizards Owner Mourns The Loss Of A Nationals Icon
