Dominic Smith says Nationals to make him regular at 1st base

By HOWARD FENDRICH The Associated Press

FILE - New York Mets' Dominic Smith singles in the second inning of a spring training baseball game against the Houston Astros, Monday, April 4, 2022, in West Palm Beach, Fla. Outfielder and first baseman Dominic Smith agreed to a one-year contract with the Washington Nationals pending the successful completion of a physical exam, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press on Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki, File)[ASSOCIATED PRESS/Sue Ogrocki]

WASHINGTON (AP) — Dominic Smith describes his move to the Washington Nationals via a one-year, $2 million contract as a “fresh start” and says the team that finished last in the NL East each of the past three seasons wants him to be its everyday first baseman. Smith spoke to reporters during a video conference Wednesday. During his time with the New York Mets, Smith split time between first base, left field and designated hitter. He thinks sticking mainly to his natural position at first, where he was blocked by Mets slugger Pete Alonso, will allow him to be more comfortable and have a clear head at the plate. The 27-year-old Smith hit well in 2020 but has struggled since then.