MLB Rumors: Will Smith, Brad Hand, insider info on 3 recent free-agent signings

Even in the middle of MLB spring training, the transactions continue to come. Here are three recent moves, featuring insider info from sources on each signing.

We are in the middle of MLB spring training and teams continue to shuffle their rosters. Players at major-league spring training are being sent back to minor-league camp as teams trim their rosters ahead of Opening Day.

But teams continue to upgrade their rosters, especially in the bullpen and late innings. Two veteran relief pitchers came off the board late last week while other veterans, such as Zack Britton and Yuli Gurriel, remain unsigned with Opening Day fast approaching.

Here’s a breakdown of each move in recent weeks, featuring inside information on exact contract details.

MLB rumors: Insider info on Will Smith, Brad Hand, Donovan Solano signings

Will Smith, Texas Rangers

Free-agent reliever Will Smith and the Texas Rangers agreed to a one-year, $1.5 million contract, according to sources with knowledge of the situation. He’ll have that base salary for the 2023 season but the deal is laden with incentives. Here’s a full breakdown of the incentives in the contract:

• $100,000 each for 20, 25 games
• $125,000 each for 25, 30, 40, 45 games
• $150,000 each for 50 and 55 games
• $250,000 each for 20, 25 games finished
• $300,000 each for 30, 35 games finished
• $400,000 each for 40 games finished
• $150,000 for Cy Young

Smith, 33, is coming off a season in which he posted a 3.97 ERA in 65 appearances with the Houston Astros and Atlanta Braves last season. In his 10-year career, he has a 3.59 ERA and as many career holds and more career saves than the rest of the relievers on the Rangers’ 40-man roster combined.

Brad Hand, Colorado Rockies

Free-agent reliever Brad Hand and the Colorado Rockies are in agreement on a one-year, $2 million contract, according to sources. Here’s a full breakdown of the contract:

• 2023: $1.5 million.
• $7 million club option for 2024 ($500K buyout).
• The option can become a mutual option if: Hand has 25 games finished or he is traded during the 2023 season.

Hand’s base salary in 2023 would increase to $2.5 million if he’s on the Opening Day 26-man roster, 15-day or 60-day Injured Lists.

In 55 games last season, Hand posted a 2.80 ERA and 38 strikeouts. In his 12-year career, the 32-year-old has posted a 3.62 ERA and a 723/275 strikeout-to-walk ratio.

Donovan Solano, Minnesota Twins

Free-agent infielder Donovan Solano signed a one-year, $2 million contract with the Minnesota Twins. The deal included $25,000 each for 325 and 375 plate appearances, $50,000 for 425 plate appearances and $75,000 each for 475, 502 plate appearances, according to sources.

Solano, 35, can play second base, third base and shortstop. He’s coming off a season in which he hit .284/.339/.385 with four home runs and 24 RBI in 80 games with the Cincinnati Reds.