SF Giants signing Luis Arraez likely shuts the door on reunion with popular veteran

With the SF Giants signing Luis Arraez to be their everyday second baseman, the team will most likely not be able to bring back Dominic Smith even though he was one of the team's best players in 2025.

With Arraez at second base, that moves Casey Schmitt onto the bench. While the Giants could trade Schmitt to open up a spot on the bench, they may choose to hold onto him for now just in case Arraez does not pan out defensively at second. That still leaves a pretty crowded bench that probably does not have room for Smith.

SF Giants likely have no place for Dominic Smith after Arraez signing

Even before the Arraez signing, bringing Smith back into the fold would have been difficult. The Giants are hoping that Rafael Devers and Bryce Eldridge will be the two players spending the bulk of time at first base and designated hitter next season and adding Smith would block Eldridge a little bit.

Last season, Smith was scooped up after LaMonte Wade Jr. had a brutal start at the plate which forced the Giants to shake things up at first base. Smith came in and was excellent both at the plate and defensively at first base.

In 63 games he slashed .284/.333/.417 with five homers and 33 runs driven in. He was silky smooth over at first base as well which was a bit of a surprise since he did not have a reputation for being an especially strong defender.

Unfortunately, Smith ended the season on the IL which paved the way for Eldridge to make his debut with the club.

He is still a free agent which makes sense because there are still other first baseman/DH types available in free agency like Carlos Santana, Paul Goldschmidt, and Rhys Hoskins.

Maybe the only way a reunion would be possible is if Smith remained unsigned after spring training started and Eldridge either got injured or got off to a slow start at the plate. Then the Giants could bring Smith in to compete with Jerar Encarnacion and Eldridge for that DH spot in the lineup.

That feels unlikely, though. Arraez is basically an insurance option for Eldridge since his poor defense at second base could get him moved off that position at some point.

Smith became a popular player in his brief stint with the Giants because he did all the little things right and helped the team out when they needed it most. Even after the Giants traded for Rafael Devers, Smith continued to be a solid contributor so wherever he ends up that team will be getting a solid ballplayer.