DONE DEAL: The Royals have signed reliever another best player to a five-year, $5 million contract.

DONE DEAL: The Royals have signed reliever another best player to a five-year, $5 million contract.

Will Smith, a talented left-hander, has signed a one-year, $5 million contract with the Kansas City Royals in a game-changing move. The Royals are hoping that Smith’s exceptional abilities will help them overcome their bullpen woes from last season. Smith brings a wealth of experience and a track record of success to the team, having won three World Series rings with different organizations. In addition to his base salary, Smith is eligible for a $1 million performance bonus based on the number of games pitched.

A Proven Finisher
The Royals were drawn to Smith because of his ability to close out games. Closing out games necessitates a unique set of skills, which Smith has demonstrated throughout his career. J.J. Picollo, the Royals’ general manager, stated that Smith will have numerous opportunities to demonstrate his closing abilities. Smith has consistently finished games, with at least 40 saves in each of the last three seasons. 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, his success in save situations has been evident.

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.