Texas Rangers relief pitcher Will Smith throws against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the ninth inning in Game 4 of the baseball World Series, Oct. 31, 2023, in Phoenix. Left-handed reliever Smith, who has won World Series rings the past three seasons with three different organizations, has agreed to a $5 million contract with the Royals, a person with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press on Sunday, Dec. 10. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson, File)
In a game-changing move, the Kansas City Royals have finalized a one-year, $5 million contract with Will Smith, a talented left-hander. The Royals are hoping that Smith’s exceptional skills will help them solve their bullpen struggles from the previous season. With three World Series rings under his belt, earned with different organizations, Smith brings a wealth of experience and a track record of success to the team. In addition to his base salary, Smith also has the opportunity to earn $1 million in performance bonuses based on the number of games pitched.
A Proven Closer
One of the main reasons the Royals were attracted to Smith is his ability to finish games. Closing out games requires a unique set of skills, and Smith has demonstrated his proficiency in this role throughout his career. Royals General Manager J.J. Picollo emphasized that Smith will have every opportunity to showcase his closing abilities. Smith has finished games consistently, with at least 40 saves in each of the past three seasons. His success in save situations has been evident, with 34 saves in his All-Star season with the San Francisco Giants, 37 saves with the Atlanta Braves in 2021, and 22 saves for the Texas Rangers last season.
Smith’s return to the Royals is a homecoming of sorts. The team gave him his big league start, and it was with the Royals that he transitioned to the bullpen and embarked on his successful career. Over the years, Smith has pitched for five different organizations, making his mark with each one. He represented the San Francisco Giants in the All-Star Game in 2019 and went on to win the World Series with the Atlanta Braves in 2021. The following year, he achieved the same feat with the Houston Astros, and most recently, he secured another World Series victory with the Texas Rangers.
The Thrill of Closing Games
For Smith, closing games brings a unique thrill and sense of purpose. The pressure and excitement of entering the ninth inning with a lead and the responsibility to secure a win is something he relishes. He describes the feeling as “so black and white,” where the objective is clear: get the necessary outs before the opposing team scores. Smith’s ability to thrive under this pressure is a valuable asset for the Royals, who are eager to improve their bullpen performance.
Strengthening the Royals’ Bullpen
The Royals’ struggles with pitching, particularly in their bullpen, were evident throughout the previous season. With a bullpen ERA of 5.23, the team recognized the need for reinforcements in this area. In addition to signing Will Smith, the Royals acquired Nick Anderson from the Atlanta Braves. Anderson, who had a solid 3.06 ERA in 35 1/3 innings before a shoulder strain ended his season, adds further depth to the bullpen.
However, the Royals’ efforts to strengthen their pitching staff don’t stop at the bullpen. They are also focused on bolstering their starting rotation. Currently, the team lacks established starters beyond Cole Ragans, Brady Singer, and Jordan Lyles. Top free-agent pitchers Lucas Giolito and Marcus Stroman have attracted the Royals’ interest, as they would significantly enhance their starting rotation. The Dodgers recently agreed to a massive 10-year, $700 million deal with Shohei Ohtani, which is expected to heat up the market for top pitchers. The Royals expect a flurry of activity in the coming weeks, and they hope to settle many deals before Christmas.
Conclusion
The Royals’ acquisition of Smith signifies a significant step towards strengthening their bullpen and improving their overall pitching performance. Smith’s proven track record as a closer, combined with his experience and success with various organizations, make him an invaluable addition to the team. The Royals’ focus on enhancing both their bullpen and starting rotation demonstrates their commitment to building a competitive roster. As the MLB offseason progresses, fans eagerly await further developments and potential signings that could further elevate the team’s prospects for the upcoming season.
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