8:49AM: Smith will earn $1.5MM in guaranteed money, according to Joel Sherman of the New York Post (Twitter link). Up to $2.5MM in bonus money is also available, related to incentives based on total appearances and games finished, indicating that Smith might indeed get some consideration for a closer role.
8:03AM: The Rangers announced that veteran left-hander Will Smith has been signed to a one-year, Major League contract. Infielder Mark Mathias has been designated for assignment to create space for Smith on the roster.
After spending the latter portion of the 2022 season with the World Series champion Astros, Smith now joins the Lone Star State’s other team. The Braves traded Smith to Houston at the trade deadline, which seemed to get the veteran on track after a rough start to the season. Smith posted a 3.27 ERA over 22 innings with the Astros, and cut down drastically on the walks and home runs that plagued him earlier in the year with Atlanta.
Though he didn’t pitch for the Astros in the postseason, Smith still earned his second consecutive championship ring, after also being part of Atlanta’s World Series-winning squad in 2021. The veteran lefty now joins a Rangers team that hasn’t had a winning season since 2016, but has invested heavily over the last two offseasons to upgrade the roster. Bruce Bochy was hired as manager this winter to further bolster the club, and Smith is certainly familiar with his new skipper, having played under Bochy with the Giants from 2016-19.
As MLBTR’s Steve Adams noted in January, Smith’s move to Houston saw him make some changes in pitch usage and mechanics. The southpaw’s success in the wake of those changes might’ve answered any doubts over whether or not Smith had anything left in the tank at age 33, and addressed concerns over his below-average walk and hard-hit ball rates for the season as a whole. That said, there is probably also a reason why Smith remained unsigned until March 4, and there wasn’t even much public buzz about his market until a few weeks ago, when teams like the Tigers and Cubs reportedly showed interest.
For the Rangers, their need for left-handed bullpen depth increased when Brett Martin underwent shoulder surgery in January, as Martin might end up missing the entirety of the 2023 campaign. Smith joins Brock Burke as the primary left-handed weapons in the Texas bullpen, with Smith probably likely to take a more traditional relief role while Burke returns as a multi-inning pitcher. Taylor Hearn and minor league signings Danny Duffy and Joe Palumbo are also in camp, and Smith’s acquisition might squeeze one of the non-roster invitees out of a shot at the Opening Day roster.
Since Smith was a regular closer as recently as the 2021 season, it isn’t out of the question that the Rangers are eyeing him for another late-game role. Texas is hopeful that Jose Leclerc or Jonathan Hernandez can fill late-game roles now that they’re fully healthy, but adding a veteran arm like Smith is also a shrewd depth move. Smith pitched as a closer under Bochy in San Francisco in 2018-19, so the manager might opt to lean on a familiar face if the Rangers do choose to go with a set closer rather than a committee.
Texas acquired Mathias as part of the deadline deal that sent Matt Bush to the Brewers last August, and Mathias ended up appearing in 24 games as the Rangers played out the string. In the small sample size of 74 plate appearances, Mathias hit very well (a .277/.365/.554 slash line), so that hot streak and his multi-positional ability gave the 28-year-old some hope of catching on with Texas in a utility role this season. That scenario is still a possibility if Mathias can clear waivers, but with Robbie Grossman recently signed to bolster the outfield mix, the Rangers might prefer to see what the likes of Ezequiel Duran or Josh Smith can do as backup infielders.
Mathias has played in parts of two MLB seasons, with Milwaukee and Texas. Originally a third-round pick for Cleveland in the 2015 draft, Mathis has a strong .286/.377/.466 slash line over 715 career PA at the Triple-A level, so between that production and his spurt of offense with the Rangers last year, a club looking for utility help might be tempted to make a waiver claim.
I was hoping he’d sign with Detroit so that he could be Gettin Miggy Wit It. But at least he’ll be in the Wild Wild West again
cainer – For Mr. Smith, Righthanded Batters Ain’t Nothing But Trouble.
If he signed with the White Sox, he would’ve been part of the Men in Black. Maybe some day. I’ll hold on to this crappy pun just in case.
I heard he’s going to Miami
That’s a slap in the face to the rest of the team, but frankly, they were between a rock and a hard place.
SLAP!!!!!
Odor was famous for his fist; this guy may make history with his palm. Fun fact: both the actor and the player have anger issues.
I like this deal. Maybe he will close out a few games.
It does make me wonder why they traded Bush if they were just going to pay more for a worse reliever on a shorter deal and DFA half the return. Mathias was actually quite good last year in the minors and the majors with Texas.
+1 Antoine Kelly does not appear like he will pan out either or else someone would have nabbed him in the Rule V draft. That Bush trade is an L for the Rangers.
Rangers win it all this year. Will Smith gets another ring then leaves for another team.
Your right tdat, if he gets traded at the deadline 😉
The Fresh Prince of Fort Worth…. doesn’t have quite the ring to it, does it?
@Monkey technically he would be the Fresh Prince of Arlington.
Granted nobody actually lives in the armpit known as Arlington.
Yeah whatever .Arlington is far from armpit loser
You are correct sir, a better representation would be about 2.5 feet south on the back side. Is that better Dale?
Lol
Quite a slap in the face he had to wait this long… A+ offseason now!
I think this is a nice addition to our bullpen, but I’m surprised that Mathias is the odd man out.
I can’t believe he isn’t better than the 40th man on just about any roster. Somebody will probably claim him, especially if he can be optioned.
So, the Padres are Texas West, but nobody seems to be talking about the beginnings of the Rangers being Kansas City South. From Chris Young to Deacon Moore to Danny Duffy to Will Smith to Ian Kennedy to Jake Odorizzi, the Rangers are scalping old Royals personnel.
Emphasis on “old!”
They share spring training facilities, so they may as well share players.
I’m a corresponding move, the LA Angels announced they’ve signed LHP Chris Rock.He will be ready by opening day to B*tch Slap Will Smith at Home Plate when they exchange line up cards. Angels play the Rangers later during the 2023 season on G I Jane night at the Big A.
Trying too hard to diminishing results. See GOAT or Manny MVP or PWN above for subtlety.
Cubs could have used this guy. Instead, they want Mike Minor, who hasn’t pitched in relief. Way to go, Jed.
Did Jethro or Granny write that? Asking for a friend
Well they needed more Minor leaguers
The Angels gave Matt Moore 7.5 Mil.. what the heck?
They love to overpay for players.
Good job, Rangers. That pen should be above average this year. Let’s hope it converts to some more wins and less 1-run losses.
Interesting but low pickup. And at a great price.
Could turn out to be a bargain.
Good pickup for Texas. Was hoping he’d sign with the Dodgers just to have the all Will Smith battery
This is a reunion with Bruce Bochy, with whom Will Smith had some outstanding seasons.
I think this is an excellent signing for Texas.
When players get old just before they get shot they retire down South and play Bochy ball
Braves, acquire Mathias for cash or claim if he ends up on waivers please. More upside than white, pillar, luplow or any other outcast outfielders the braves brought in.
$1.5 MM. Ridiculous that writers and analysts suggested he’d improved once he joined the Astros. Smith was nothing special and a wasted roster spot.