Yankees take a shot on New York native Kevin Smith

Kevin Smith is heading home. The utility man from East Greenbush, New York said that he has signed a minor league deal with the Yankees. In doing so, Smith shared a childhood photo of himself dressed in Yankees attire. Smith, 27, has played in 114 major league games since debuting with the Blue Jays in 2021.

He spent the last two seasons in Oakland. A .173 career hitter, Smith batted .185 while setting career highs with five home runs and 49 games played last season. He had far more success at Triple A, slashing .324/.372/.653 with 16 homers and 46 RBI over 42 games. Baseball America considered Smith a top 100 prospect before the 2019 season.

Toronto traded him to Oakland in March 2022 when the A’s dumped Matt Chapman’s salary. While Smith has mostly played shortstop and third base, he has also logged time at first, second and the corner outfield spots as a pro. The Yankees recently in free agency, so Smith could provide some depth in that department.

However, Oswaldo Cabrera can also play all over the diamond, and a few members of the 40 man roster can move around the infield. That group includes the veteran DJ LeMahieu, potential trade chip Oswald Peraza, and Jeter Downs, ..