Smoak signed a contract with the NPB's Yomiuri Giants on Tuesday, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Smoak fits the profile common to many players who head overseas as a competent slugger but not necessarily one who hits well enough to justify a spot at the highest level given his defensive limitations. Coming off a disappointing short season in which he hit just .176/.250/.361 in 36 games for the Brewers and Giants, he'll try to re-establish his value in Japan, but at age 34, it's quite likely his MLB days are over.

The Giants released Smoak on Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

Though Smoak wasn't picked up by another team after the Giants exposed him to waivers earlier in the week, the organization didn't have interest in keeping around in its 60-man roster pool with the regular season nearing its end. Smoak will wrap up a disappointing 2020 campaign with a .176/.250/.361 slash line across 132 plate appearances between the Brewers and Giants. The 33-year-old first baseman will likely have to settle for a minor-league contract this winter if he wants to keep his career going in 2021.

Smoak was designated for assignment by the Giants on Monday, Amy Gutierrez of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

EDGE Analysis

Smoak joined the Giants' major-league roster less than two weeks ago, but he'll be designated for assignment by an organization for the second time this season. His removal from the 40-man roster makes room for Alex Dickerson (personal), who was activated from the paternity list in a corresponding move. He drew interest on the open market earlier in September, so it wouldn't be surprising to see him land a contract with another organization.

Smoak was activated by the Giants prior to Thursday's game in San Diego, Jon Heyman of MLB Network reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Giants designated Pablo Sandoval for assignment, thus clearing a 40-man roster spot for Smoak, whom they signed to a minor-league contract earlier in the week. Smoak should see the occassional start down the stretch, but there is not an obvious path for him to get regular playing time.

Smoak agreed to a minor-league contract with the Giants on Wednesday, Jon Heyman of MLB Network reports.

EDGE Analysis

Smoak had a number of clubs vying for his services after he was released by Milwaukee on Sunday, and he apparently decided that San Francisco was the best spot to continue his career. He'll likely report to the Giants' alternate site in Sacramento initially, but it may not be long before the 33-year-old gets another look at the big-league level. The switch-hitting Smoak could fill the short side of a platoon at first base with the lefty-swinging Brandon Belt, or factor into the mix at designated hitter.

The Brewers released Smoak on Sunday.

EDGE Analysis

Smoak already lost his spot on the 40-man roster after being designated for assignment Thursday, and he'll now be removed from the Brewers' 60-man roster pool after going unclaimed off waivers over the weekend. The switch-hitting 33-year-old boasts plenty of big-league experience, but he may struggle to catch on elsewhere before the season ends after he slashed .186/.262/.381 in his 126 plate appearances with Milwaukee prior to being released.

Smoak was designated for assignment Thursday, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Smoak entered the campaign with a chance to occupy a run-producing spot in the Brewers lineup all season, but he's never got going at the dish. The 33-year-old switch hitter has been even worse this year than he was in 2019 with Toronto, hitting .186/.262/.381 with five home runs and a 31.7 percent strikeout rate in 126 plate appearances. The Brewers apparently claimed Daniel Vogelbach from Toronto in a corresponding move.

Smoak is not in the lineup Sunday against the Pirates.

EDGE Analysis

Southpaw Steven Brault will take the mound for Pittsburgh, so Smoak will head to the bench after going 0-for-2 with a walk Saturday. Jedd Gyorko will start at first base Sunday for the Brewers.

Smoak is not in the lineup for Friday's game against the Pirates.

EDGE Analysis

Smoak was held out of the second game of Thursday's doubleheader with the Brewers facing left-hander Wade Miley, and that will be the case again Friday with Milwaukee taking on another southpaw in Derek Holland. Jedd Gyorko will start at first base in Smoak's place.

Smoak is not in the starting lineup for Game 2 of Thursday's doubleheader against the Reds.

EDGE Analysis

Smoak went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts in the first game of the twin bill. He will get at the least the start of Game 2 off, with Jedd Gyorko sliding to first base.