Watch: Justin Smoak Returns Home from Japan to Greet Shocked Daughters
Former Toronto Blue Jays slugger Justin Smoak is calling it a season over in Japan.
After 41 games with the Yomiuri Giants this season, the 34-year-old has decided to return home to be with his family, Smoak's wife Kristin Smoak announced on social media Friday.
So Justin made a terribly tough decision. It started to become obvious that we were not going to be able to get to Japan any time soon- if ever. So with support and understanding from the team (who were nothing but amazing to our family) he decided to come home. This is why. pic.twitter.com/8wtzAP9FDN
— Kristin Smoak (@KristinSmoak) June 18, 2021
"So Justin made a terribly tough decision," the post wrote. "It started to become obvious that we were not going to be able to get to Japan any time soon- if ever. So with support and understanding from the team (who were nothing but amazing to our family) he decided to come home. This is why."
Below the blurb is a video of Smoak's daughters greeting him with enthusiasm as he makes a surprise and indefinite return home.
Smoak was hitting .280 with seven homers, 19 RBIs, and 13 runs across those 41 games. It was Smoak's first season overseas following 36 games in 2020 with the Milwaukee Brewers and San Francisco Giants in which he hit .176 with just five home runs.
It's unclear what the future holds for the former Blue Jays' first baseman who played five seasons in Toronto. Smoak has yet to announce his retirement, but more details are expected to come from Kristin in the near future.
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