The Chicago Cubs’ offense has been on fire to start the season, creating plenty of optimism around the team. However, concerns about the pitching staff, particularly the bullpen, persist. According to Kerry Miller of Bleacher Report, the Cubs are being suggested as a potential landing spot for free-agent reliever Will Smith. Smith had a rough 2024 campaign, posting a 6.53 ERA in 41.1 innings, but his past achievements still make him an intriguing option. Before joining the Kansas City Royals in 2024, Smith had a unique history with three different teams, each of which went on to win the World Series during his time there.
In 2021, Smith was a key reliever for the Atlanta Braves, posting a solid 3.44 ERA in 68 innings, and contributed with a perfect 0.00 ERA over 11 innings in the postseason as the Braves claimed the championship. He was then traded to the Houston Astros in 2022, where, despite not pitching in the postseason, the Astros went on to win the World Series. In 2023, Smith joined the Texas Rangers, and, once again, he was part of a World Series-winning team. Over three years, Smith has played for three different clubs that each captured a World Series title—an extraordinary accomplishment.
At 35 years old, Smith would be entering his 13th MLB season if he joins the Cubs. While 2024 wasn’t his best year, his past performances offer solid value as a depth addition to the bullpen. The Bleacher Report prediction that the Cubs will sign Smith seems like a smart move, potentially strengthening their bullpen and bringing a touch of that postseason success to Chicago. For a franchise known for its long history of misfortune, having a player with Smith’s winning pedigree could be just the kind of positive “mystique” the Cubs need after their historic World Series win in 2016.
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