Rangers agree to one year deal with reliever Smith

*Photo from FanSided*

   Previously addressing the rotation, now they added to the bullpen. The Texas Rangers and LHP Will Smith have agreed to a one year, $1.5 million contract, according to an announcement by the Rangers on Saturday.

   In his contract, Smith has an additional $2.5 million in performance bonuses available. He has history with new manager Bruce Bochy from their days in San Francisco, playing with the Giants in 2016, 2018, and 2019, earning his lone all star game selection under Bochy in 2019.

   Asked about Smith, Bochy said that "I think you see a guy who is going to be used late in the game in situations. He’s set up. He’s closed. Left-hander with good stuff. He gives you a great option in different roles. He’s a guy who is not afraid to be put into any situation. He wants to be there. He wants to be the guy out there, trust me. He wants to be the guy who is trying to help this team win a ballgame. That’s his mindset. We’re fortunate to have been able to bring him into camp. It’s a great sign."

   Smith spent 2022 with the Atlanta Braves and Houston Astros following the Braves title in 2021. He ended 2022 with a 3.97 ERA, 1.41 WHIP, and 4.26 FIP, tossing 59 innings and picking up 5 saves in 65 appearances.

   During the Braves 2021 season, Smith picked up a career high 37 saves while closing a league leading 60 games, recording a 3.44 ERA and 4.17 FIP in 71 appearances. In the 2021 playoffs, Smith had a 2-0 record with 6 saves over 11 appearances, two of his saves coming in the World Series.

   Smith has played for 5 teams over the course of his 10 year career. Since debuting in 2012, Smith has a 3.59 ERA, 3.62 FIP, and 1.24 WHIP, appearing in 513 games and throwing 553 2/3 innings, adding 91 saves out of the bullpen. Smith has a 1.47 ERA and 0.76 WHIP in the postseason, throwing 18 1/3 innings over 20 appearances.

   Smith gave his thoughts on the Rangers when he saw them in 2022, saying that "You could tell they had something brewing here, something going on. They looked like they got along and meshed well together, which I think is a huge key to winning. You have to enjoy being around each other. Hopefully I can keep that streak going."

   In the Rangers bullpen, Smith is a candidate to close games alongside Jose Leclerc and Joe Barlow as high leverage relievers.