Braves World Series champion inks deal with Royals over weekend

If you’re a gambling man, picking a future World Series winner is simple: whichever club Will Smith signs with.

In 2021, he was Atlanta‘s closer on a club that delivered the city its first Commissioner’s Trophy since 1995. Then in 2022, he was traded to the Astros for Jake Odorizzi, and though he didn’t help Houston as much as he did Atlanta, he earned his second ring in as many years.

Then last year, he became the first player in MLB history to win three straight World Series titles with three separate teams after winning the 2023 championship with the Rangers.

If we are following trends, all futures should be on Kansas City. The Royals have signed the reliever to a one-year, $5 million deal according to ESPN reporter Jeff Passan.

Initially, Smith was an All-Star in 2019 with the Giants and notched 37 saves in ‘21 with the Braves, where he never really lived up to the massive free agent contract he signed. However, not many fans are too upset with how it turned out because he was practically perfect in the club’s postseason run.

He was eventually dealt the following season to the Astros, where he didn’t contribute much. Last year with the Rangers, Smith had a 4.40 ERA but a 3.36 FIP in 57.1 innings and struck out 55 while walking only 17.

Now, I wouldn’t actually recommend anyone wasting their hard earned dollars on a Royals’ future to win the World Series, but they could really use his experience. Kansas City’s bullpen ranked second-worst in ERA last season at 5.23.

He joins another former Braves reliever in Nick Anderson, whom they acquired in a trade last month. It’s not the sexiest signing, but for $5 million, Royals fans shouldn’t complain too much.