Don't give up on Will Smith

Kansas City made some notable additions to their bullpen this past off-season through free agency, alongside trades. Among these acquisitions were Chris Stratton and Will Smith. The bullpen's performance at the start of the season gave fans a sense of déjà vu from 2023, as criticism often follows when a newly signed player struggles. Before fans point fingers at Smith and Picollo for his rough start, it's essential for them to delve into Smith's track record.
At the beginning of the off-season, Picollo stated that the team was in search of an experienced closer. However, it seems they didn't find one they preferred. Consequently, Smith was tasked with the closer's role at the start of the season, which didn't go as planned. Despite his struggles, Picollo defended the decision, emphasizing Smith's track record: "Finishing games is definitely where and why Will was attractive to us. It’s tough to do throughout the season, but he does have a track record and he’s going to have every opportunity to finish games."
Smith's rough start notwithstanding, his career track record is impressive. Before returning to Kansas City, he closed out 113 games in his MLB career. The 34-year-old boasts a career ERA of 3.77 and has appeared in an All-Star game in 2019. He's also participated in three World Series with the Braves (2021), Astros (2022), and the Rangers last season.
Kansas City's decision to entrust Smith with the closer's role made sense given his postseason experience and track record. Smith, who spent the first two years of his career with the Royals, signed a one-year deal worth $5 million dollars. Despite initial struggles, there's optimism about his potential contribution to the team.
Smith's willingness to adapt to different bullpen roles, as seen in his time with the Rangers and now with the Royals, demonstrates his professionalism and team-first mentality. Despite early setbacks, his recent improvement suggests that he's making adjustments and working towards finding his rhythm.
While it's still early in the season, Smith's recent performances indicate a positive trend. While there are no guarantees in baseball, there's hope that Smith will emerge as a reliable asset in the bullpen as the season progresses. Fans may need to exercise patience and trust in his abilities to contribute positively to the team's success.







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