{"id":650973,"date":"2026-03-29T18:39:20","date_gmt":"2026-03-29T18:39:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/650973\/"},"modified":"2026-03-29T18:39:20","modified_gmt":"2026-03-29T18:39:20","slug":"braves-predicted-to-cut-ties-with-recent-walk-off-hero","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/650973\/","title":{"rendered":"Braves Predicted to Cut Ties with Recent Walk-Off Hero"},"content":{"rendered":"

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ATLANTA, GEORGIA – MARCH 28: Dominic Smith #8 of the Atlanta Braves turns to the dugout after hitting a game-winning grand slam home run as Matt Olson #28 (left), Austin Riley #27, and Mike Yastrzemski #18 celebrate 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)<\/p>\n

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<\/a>. On Sunday, the Braves will go for the opening weekend sweep with Grant Holmes on the mound.<\/p>\n

However, how long will Dom Smith be an Atlanta Brave? In a recent article for FanSided.com, writer Austin<\/a> Owens predicts that the Braves will cut ties with Smith at some point during this season.<\/p>\n

More MLB<\/a> on Heavy: Braves Predicted to Make Difficult Decision with Former All-Star Starter<\/a><\/p>\n

What Should the Braves Do With Dom Smith?
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GettyATLANTA, GEORGIA \u2013 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)<\/p>\n

This will be an interesting crossroads for the Braves once the middle of the summer rolls around.<\/p>\n

Owen cites that Dom Smith is a good bench option, but not exactly an everyday piece:<\/p>\n

\u201cDominic Smith is a great bench piece to have in the majors, he\u2019s 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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GettyATLANTA, GEORGIA \u2013 MARCH 28: Dominic Smith #8 of the Atlanta Braves approaches home plate and teammates Ronald Acu\u00f1a 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)<\/p>\n

It\u2019s fair to point out, though, that Austin Owens put out that piece for Fansided before Dom Smith\u2019s 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\u2019 closer Carlos Estevez. Smith is a 10-year MLB veteran with over 2200 career at-bats.<\/p>\n

More MLB on Heavy: Mets Announce Final Roster Decisions on 5-Year MLB Veteran and Former Dodgers Catcher<\/a><\/p>\n

Dom Smith Could Emerge as a Strong Piece for the Braves
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ATLANTA, GEORGIA \u2013 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)<\/p>\n

After the historic walk-off home run on Saturday night, Dom Smith\u2019s outlook with the team has changed drastically.<\/p>\n

He could be manager Walt Weiss\u2019s platoon option against right-handed pitchers off the bench this season.<\/p>\n

However, in that same breath, Smith might still be expendable just depending on how the Braves\u2019 season progresses.<\/p>\n

More MLB on Heavy: Braves Make Mike Yastrzemski Decision Before Royals Game<\/a><\/p>\n

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