MLB Rumors: 5 relievers the Red Sox should target
1. Will Smith
San Francisco Giants left-hander Will Smith has taken over the ninth-inning duties for good from the high-priced Mark Melancon. The 29-year-old was given his first chance to close last season while Melancon battled injuries and he handled the role well. His success last year has carried over into the 2019 campaign, and Smith was just named an All-Star for the first time in his career.
Smith has been a consistent performer out of the bullpen throughout his entire seven-year career, but his last two seasons have been his best by far. He has appeared in 88 games over the past two years and has a 2.40 ERA in 86.1 innings and has struck out 12.7 per-nine while saving 35 games. Smith has pitched in relief exclusively since 2013, and has a 2.99 ERA in 289 innings while striking out 12.1 per-nine since making the switch from a starting role.
After featuring a three-pitch mix for most of his career, Smith has mostly ditched his curveball this year and is throwing his slider more frequently. He is approaching a 40-percent use rate with the pitch, which is his best offering. Opponents have always struggled against the pitch, as evidenced by a career .128 batting average against for his slider. It has been even better this year, holding hitters to a .088 batting average with 35 strikeouts.
Next. 5 players the Nationals should trade for. dark
As one of the few true “rental” closers on the trade block this year, Smith will be in high demand. He is a free agent after this season, but that will not tamp down his trade value. The asking price will be high, but the Red Sox absolutely must find a reliable option to hold down the ninth inning.