Left-handed reliever Will Smith has agreed to a one-year, $5 million contract with the Kansas City Royals, sources have confirmed. This reunites Smith with the team where he made his major league debut over a decade ago. At 34 years old, Smith brings a wealth of experience to the Royals’ bullpen, and he is expected to take on the role of closer, a position he has previously held throughout his 11-year career. Notably, Smith saved 22 games for the World Series champion Texas Rangers in the 2022 season.
Smith initially joined the Royals as a starter in 2012. However, he made the transition to the bullpen the following year and has since established himself as one of baseball’s most reliable relievers. Since 2013, Smith has appeared in an impressive 557 regular-season games, placing him amongst the top relief pitchers in terms of durability. Over that span, he has pitched 521⅓ innings, maintaining a solid 3.5-to-1 strikeout-to-walk ratio and a respectable 3.38 ERA. Smith has also recorded 113 saves throughout his career.
Smith played a crucial role in the Atlanta Braves’ recent World Series victory, delivering 11 scoreless innings during the postseason. His career postseason ERA stands at 2.91 over 21⅔ innings. Although his playoff stint with the Texas Rangers was shorter, Smith’s performance remained commendable, allowing just four runs in 3⅓ innings. The Royals will undoubtedly benefit from Smith’s postseason experience and his consistency in high-pressure situations.
The Royals entered the offseason with aspirations of bolstering their pitching staff, and the signing of Will Smith is a step in the right direction. However, their work is not yet complete. Kansas City continues to explore options in the free agent market, particularly for starting pitchers. As of now, left-hander Cole Ragans and Brady Singer headline their rotation. In the bullpen, there are still question marks, although right-hander James McArthur’s strong performance towards the end of the 2022 season has likely secured him a role in high-leverage situations.
With a bullpen ERA of 5.23, the worst in the American League last season, it is clear that the Royals need to enhance their relief pitching. Similarly, their starting rotation struggled with a 5.12 ERA, second to last in the league. As a result, Kansas City endured a disappointing 56-106 record. The addition of Will Smith undoubtedly helps address the bullpen issues, but the Royals must continue to pursue starting pitchers to solidify their rotation and ensure a more competitive season in the future.
The Kansas City Royals have made a significant move by bringing back veteran reliever Will Smith on a one-year contract. Smith’s experience, particularly in closing games, will prove invaluable for the team. His track record as a workhorse reliever and his success in the postseason make him a valuable asset to the organization. However, the Royals must not stop there. They must actively pursue additional pitching options to further strengthen their bullpen and starting rotation. With the right moves, the Royals have the potential to bounce back from their disappointing 2022 season and compete at a higher level in the upcoming season.
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