Former SF Giants closer agrees to one-year, $5 million deal with Royals

The Kansas City Royals have agreed to a one-year, $5 million contract with former SF Giants and Texas Rangers closer Will Smith.

The Kansas City Royals have agreed to a one-year, $5 million contract with former SF Giants closer Will Smith, according to a report by ESPN's Jeff Passan. Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic later reported that Smith's deal includes up to $1 million in potential incentives as well. Smith, who spent the 2023 season with the Texas Rangers, is coming off winning the World Series for the third consecutive season.

SF Giants reliever Will Smith pitches against a Padres batter at Petco Park. (2018) / Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

Smith, an 11-year MLB veteran, has spent more time in the majors with the Giants than any other organization over his career. After emerging as a top left-handed setup arm with the Brewers, Smith was traded to the Giants at the 2016 MLB trade deadline for prospects Phil Bickford and Andrew Susac. Smith was a solid setup option to finish the 2016 but missed all of 2017 after tearing his UCL and undergoing surgery. 

Upon his return, Smith returned to peak form. While the Giants struggled to win games from 2018-2019, Smith anchored a surprisingly strong bullpen. He posted a 2.66 ERA (2.71 FIP) with 48 saves, 167 strikeouts, and 36 walks in 118.1 innings pitched over those two seasons. Following that stint, Smith became a free agent, declined a qualifying offer from the Giants, and inked a three-year, $40 million contract with Atlanta.

Smith has been unable to match his production with the Giants since departing. He recorded a 3.87 ERA over his tenure with Atlanta, although he was the team's primary closer during their 2021 run to the World Series title. That would spark an impressive three-year run. The following season, Smith was traded to the Astros at the deadline before they went on to win the World Series. Then, last offseason, he inked a one-year, $1.5 million contract with the Rangers. While Smith was eventually displaced from the closer role, he finished the season with 22 saves and a 4.40 ERA (3.36 FIP) in 60 appearances (57.1 innings pitched) alongside another World Series ring.

On the surface, it seems like Will Smith's World Series streak will come to the end with the Royals. However, with Kansas City expected to be one of the worst teams in the league in 2024, they will likely be sellers at the deadline. So, it's not out of the question that Smith will still be able to find his way to another title.