**Sources: Reds to Sign Former Red Sox First Baseman Dominic Smith**
First baseman Dominic Smith is set to join the Cincinnati Reds after being released earlier this week by the Boston Red Sox, according to sources who spoke with ESPN.
Smith, 29, held down the first-base position for most of the season in Boston but was let go following the return of Triston Casas, who had been on the injured list for four months.
Boston manager Alex Cora praised Smith’s performance during Casas’ absence, calling it “outstanding.” While Smith’s offensive stats—a .237/.317/.390 line with six home runs in 83 games—were below league average, he was well-regarded in the Boston clubhouse.
The deal with Cincinnati, pending a physical, adds Smith to a Reds team still hoping to secure a National League wild-card spot. Currently holding a 62-65 record, the Reds are 5½ games behind Atlanta.
Injuries have plagued the Reds’ infield all season. Both Christian Encarnacion-Strand and Jeimer Candelario, who were expected to see significant time at first base, are on the injured list. The Reds had also acquired Ty France from Seattle, who could potentially share first-base duties with the left-handed-hitting Smith.
Smith, who spent the first six seasons of his career with the New York Mets, has a career batting line of .247/.314/.405 with 64 home runs in 683 games.
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