Will Smith earned All-Star honors pitching for manager Bruce Bochy a few years back, and the pair hope a reunion can pay dividends this season.
The Texas Rangers have signed the 33-year-old reliever to a one-year, $1.5 million contract.
Smith, who posted a 3.27 ERA in 24 appearances for the Houston Astros last season, is eager to pitch for Bochy again. Bochy managed him with the Giants in 2018 and 2019, when he made the All-Star team with 34 saves.
“I like old school managers,” Smith told MLB.com. “I’m kind of an older guy now. I get the computer stuff these days, but it’s refreshing to have a guy who trusts his gut sometimes. Sometimes it doesn’t go his way, but he can live with it and he answers the questions of why he didn’t do it.”
Expectations are high for the Rangers this season, with ace Jacob deGrom leading a revamped starting rotation and top prospect Josh Jung ready to show his talents at third base. Bochy believes Smith will see plenty of work in key situations this year.
“I think you see a guy who is going to be used late in the game in situations,” Bochy said (via MLB.com). “He’s set up. He’s closed. Left-hander with good stuff. He gives you a great option in different roles.
“He’s a guy who is not afraid to be put into any situation. He wants to be there. He wants to be the guy out there, trust me. He wants to be the guy who is trying to help this team win a ballgame. That’s his mindset. We’re fortunate to have been able to bring him into camp. It’s a great sign.”
[MLB.com]
