The Kansas City Royals agreed to a one-year, $5 million contract with relief pitcher Will Smith. Will Smith was on the Texas Rangers in 2023 where he won the World Series. This is a solid pickup for a bullpen who badly needs the help.
In the past three seasons, Will Smith has been on the team who won the World Series. In 2021, he was on the Atlanta Braves, 2022 he was on the Houston Astros, and 2023 he was on the Texas Rangers. Unless Smith gets traded to a contender at the deadline, that streak will come to a close.
Will Smith has played in the MLB for 11 seasons. He made his debut in 2012 with the team he just signed with, the KC Royals. From 2012-2013 he played for the Royals, 2014-2016 he played for the Brewers, 2016-2019 he was on the Giants, 2020-2021 he played for the Braves, 2022 he played for the Astros, and in 2023 Will Smith played for the Rangers.
Will Smith was a solid piece all season long for the Rangers. He was also a workhorse for the Rangers. Smith pitched in 60 games, during that, he pitched 57.1 IP. Smith posted a 4.40 ERA, 55 SO, and a 1.06 WHIP.
Ken Rosenthal of the athletic noted that Will Smith could potentially be the Rangers closer in 2024. The Royals badly needed pitching help as their pitching in 2023 was awful. They ranked 28th in ERA with a 5.17 ERA.