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

By HOWARD FENDRICH
AP Sports Writer

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.