Will Smith Stats

The Kansas City Royals have agreed to a contract with relief pitcher William Smith. The two sides have agreed on a one-year, $5 million deal for the 2024 campaign. The veteran southpaw began his career with the Royals back in 2012. Last season, Smith began the year as the closer with the Texas Rangers. However, he fell out of the role and became more of a late-inning option. He finished the season with a 4.04 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, 22 saves, and a 55/17 K/BB ratio across 57 1/3 innings. Smith should be in the mix for the saves with the Royals not having a solidified closer. Fantasy managers will have to wait until Spring Training to see what the Royals plan to do with Smith in the bullpen.

10 hours ago

Texas Rangers relief pitcher William Smith allowed the game-winning hit in Thursday's 7-5 loss to the Minnesota Twins during his inning of work when he came in with the bases loaded and no outs. Smith allowed a two-run home run to catcher Ryan Jeffers and didn't walk or strike out a batter. Josh Sborz was charged with the blown save and the loss. It was a lot to ask of the 34-year-old southpaw to wiggle out of that jam on the road. Still, it's the sixth time in Smith's last eight outings out of the bullpen that he's allowed a run. Given Smith's recent struggles, the Rangers could decide to make the move to Aroldis Chapman for some upcoming save situations, so stay tuned. Smith now has a 4.27 ERA, 0.99 WHIP, 22 saves and 45 strikeouts in 46 1/3 innings for Texas in 2023.

3 months ago

Texas Rangers relief pitcher William Smith had another rough outing in Monday's 4-3 extra-innings loss to the Diamondbacks. Smith came in to pitch the bottom of the 11th inning up by two with an automatic runner on second. He got the first two outs on a flyout and pop-out, allowed an intentional walk and an RBI double, and finally allowed a two-RBI double to end the game. The veteran had pitched well as the team's closer for most of the season but has now allowed runs in five of his nine August appearances, including consecutive three-run outings. Aroldis Chapman saw the save opportunity in this game but blew it, so Smith may be receiving a shorter leash in the near future. He has held the lead in the closer's role over Chapman to this point, but fantasy managers should keep an eye on the situation in the coming days.

3 months ago