The Atlanta Braves had an all-time moment on Saturday night when Dominic Smith hit a walk-off Grand Slam to give the Braves a 6-2 victory over the Kansas City Royals. On Sunday, the Braves will go for the opening weekend sweep with Grant Holmes on the mound.
However, how long will Dom Smith be an Atlanta Brave? In a recent article for FanSided.com, writer Austin Owens predicts that the Braves will cut ties with Smith at some point during this season.
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What Should the Braves Do With Dom Smith?
GettyATLANTA, GEORGIA – MARCH 28: Dominic Smith #8 of the Atlanta Braves hits a game-winning walk-off grand slam home run in the ninth inning of a game against the Kansas City Royals at Truist Park on March 28, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Edward M. Pio Roda/Getty Images)
This will be an interesting crossroads for the Braves once the middle of the summer rolls around.
Owen cites that Dom Smith is a good bench option, but not exactly an everyday piece:
“Dominic Smith is a great bench piece to have in the majors, he’s just honestly not the best fit in Atlanta. And it feels like he would be the first man out the door when one of the big names returns from injury.”
Smith carries a lot of versatility, given that he can play both first base and the outfield. His strong spring training earned him a spot on the Opening Day roster.
GettyATLANTA, GEORGIA – MARCH 28: Dominic Smith #8 of the Atlanta Braves approaches home plate and teammates Ronald Acuña Jr. #13, Matt Olson #28, Ozzie Albies #1, Mike Yastrzemski #18, and Austin Riley #27 after hitting a game-winning grand slam home run in the bottom of the ninth inning of a game against the Kansas City Royals at Truist Park on March 28, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Edward M. Pio Roda/Getty Images)
It’s fair to point out, though, that Austin Owens put out that piece for Fansided before Dom Smith’s walk-off Grand Slam, which certainly changes the outlook of his role on the team. He was the first name called off the bench in a huge spot against the Royals’ closer Carlos Estevez. Smith is a 10-year MLB veteran with over 2200 career at-bats.
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Dom Smith Could Emerge as a Strong Piece for the Braves
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – MARCH 28: Dominic Smith #8 of the Atlanta Braves runs to third base after hitting a game-winning grand slam home run in the bottom of the ninth inning of a game against the Kansas City Royals at Truist Park on March 28, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Edward M. Pio Roda/Getty Images)
After the historic walk-off home run on Saturday night, Dom Smith’s outlook with the team has changed drastically.
He could be manager Walt Weiss’s platoon option against right-handed pitchers off the bench this season.
However, in that same breath, Smith might still be expendable just depending on how the Braves’ season progresses.
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