Texas Rangers Sign 2-Time World Series Champion Reliever

The Texas Rangers have made yet another important addition to their pitching staff, plucking essentially the best reliever still available off the free agent market, former closer Will Smith. 

Official: We’ve signed LHP Will Smith to a one-year Major League contract. pic.twitter.com/znPOfqiw99

— Texas Rangers (@Rangers) March 4, 2023

It's a $1.5M deal with another $2.5M in incentives. 

The left-hander Smith saved 37 games for the Atlanta Braves in 2021, and helped lead them to the World Series championship. He tossed 11.0 scoreless innings over 11 postseason appearances during the Braves’ title run, going 2-0 with 6 saves. But he was dethroned as their closer when they signed Kenley Jansen heading into the 2022 season. 

Smith, 33, had a decent year, but no longer as "the man" at the back end of the bullpen. Splitting his time between Atlanta and the Houston Astros, he had a 3.97 ERA and 9.9 strikeouts per nine innings. And although he didn't pitch in the postseason, he still got his second World Series ring. 

The Astros declined their option on him, making him a free agent. 

Smith has already joined the Rangers at their spring training camp. He'll likely take over as the team's closer, with Jose Leclerc and Jonathan Hernandez in support.

Photo: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports