Mets’ Pete Alonso pulling for former teammate Dom Smith in Yankees roster battle
NY Post
PORT ST. LUCIE — It’s been a while since Pete Alonso played with Dom Smith, who has bounced around the league since leaving the Mets in 2022.
But now Smith is trying to win a roster spot with the crosstown Yankees, and due in part to Giancarlo Stanton being out indefinitely with injuries to both elbows, there’s potential the lefty-swinging Smith will be in The Bronx on Opening Day after signing a minor league deal in the offseason.
And although Alonso doesn’t keep in touch with his former teammate like he used to, he’s pulling for the 29-year-old, who split last season with the Reds and Red Sox and has three homers for the Yankees this spring.
“I’m really happy for him that he’s having a good camp,’’ Alonso said of Smith, who was once considered the Mets first baseman of the future- until Alonso came along.
“Dom is a really good player and I hope they let him break with the team and give him a ton of at-bats,” Alonso said.
Smith is battling Ben Rice and J.C. Escarra, both also lefty hitters, for at least part-time DH duties to start the season after the right-handed Everson Pereira was sent to minor league camp as he plays his way back from Tommy John surgery.
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