Kevin Smith had a limited impact on the New York Yankees’ major league roster, appearing in just two games as a pinch runner without getting a hit or playing any defensive innings.
Had the World Series turned out differently, he might have earned a championship ring. The 28-year-old was released by the Yankees’ Triple-A team at the end of last season, following their loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers in a five-game World Series.
Smith went unsigned as a free agent and, still without a major league contract as of Monday, announced his retirement on social media.
He expressed gratitude for the support he received throughout his career, saying, “I’ve been so lucky to be surrounded by amazing people who believed in me, helped me, and pushed me to accomplish the things I’ve always dreamed of.” He added that he was looking forward to spending more time at home and being with his family after years of constant travel.
Over his career, Smith played in 116 major league games with the Toronto Blue Jays, Oakland A’s, and Yankees, who signed him as a free agent in January 2024. He posted a .173 batting average, .215 on-base percentage, and .301 slugging percentage, hitting eight home runs and driving in 25 RBIs, mostly during his time with Oakland in 2022-23.
Smith also played 601 minor league games between 2017-24, batting .269 with a .328 on-base percentage and .481 slugging, while playing six different positions. Additionally, he pitched two games for the Yankees’ Triple-A affiliate last year, giving up seven hits over 3.2 innings.
Born in East Greenbush, NY, Smith grew up watching the Yankees. On Twitter/X, he shared a memory of sitting with his father at age 9, watching his favorite player Derek Jeter, and telling him for the first time, “Dad, I want to play in the MLB when I grow up.” He recalled his dad’s response: “You will, as long as you put in the work.”
