Royals sign Will Smith


The Royals’ offseason has been slow for the most part other than a few small signings such as Garrett Hampson and a few trades with Atlanta. The team has been slow in the free agent pitching market, but Kansas City is bringing in a former friend on a one-year deal in lefthander Will Smith. Since leaving Kansas City in 2013, the 34-year old has been a dependable arm in multiple team's bullpens. Kansas City's front office believes the veteran can give the bullpen a boost. Picollo brings Smith back to Kansas City on a one-year deal worth $5 million with performance bonuses. While with the Rangers last season, the left-hander appeared in 60 games. Smith for the most part was a reliable arm in the 60 games he appeared in for the Rangers. The lefthander last season signed a one-year deal with Texas worth $1.5 million with $2.5 million in performance bonuses. Smith earned every penny of his contract with the Rangers. Smith’s primary issue last season was giving up the long ball. According to the Royals Review: "He is a flyball pitcher." With Smith being a flyball pitcher, it shouldn't come as a surprise that he struggled with giving up home runs last season. Although the 34-year old struggled with giving up home runs last year, I believe pitching at Kauffman Stadium could certainly help Smith limit the amount of home runs he gives up in 2024. The Royals are banking that the 34-year old will have a good season, and he has certainly shown he can. Smith’s career ERA is 3.67. That's a solid career ERA. The last time the lefthander's ERA was above the 4.00 mark (5.32 ERA) was back in his 2012 rookie season with the Royals. What are the Royals expectations for the 34-year old next season? According to Royals beat writer Anne Roger's the team views Smith as a potential closer: "The Royals view Smith as one option for the back end of the bullpen along with Nick Anderson, whom they acquired in a trade with the Braves last month. Younger right-handers James McArthur and Carlos Hernández also have potential to close games for the Royals." The addition of Smith in my opinion could definitely round out the back end of the bullpen with Carlos Hernandez and James McArthur. Although Smith has the opportunity to be the team's closer, I don't exactly think he has the closing tools he once did; but I think he could be a solid setup man in the seventh or eighth inning next season. The closing spot next season like many people have said is likely between Carlos Hernandez and James McArthur. Hernandez in my opinion has the upper hand over McArthur with his electric fastball. Although I don't believe Smith is the team's closer, I believe he is a dependable arm and why wouldn't he be? Smith has the repertoire to keep the Royals in games. The left-hander has a four pitch mix that includes a four-seam fastball, slider, curveball and an occasional changeup. Smith’s slider is a pitch that stands out over all the rest. According to Brooksbaseball.com: "His slider generates more whiffs/swing compared to other pitchers' sliders, has short glove-side cut, results in somewhat more fly balls compared to other pitchers' sliders and has some two-plane movement." Depending on how the team's season pans out, the 34-year old could help lead the Royals back to the postseason. Unfortunately the team's chances of making the postseason are very slim. The 34-year old could be a potential trade candidate for the Royals if he has a good first half next season. Finally, the addition of Smith can improve a bullpen that was one of the worst in the league last season. Regardless of how the season goes, the Royals must be given credit for trying to improve the bullpen. 


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