According to reports, the Houston Astros have bolstered their bullpen after agreeing with reliever Joe Smith on a two-year contract. The 33-year-old will enter his thirteenth MLB season and will look to eat up innings and maintain leads late in games for his new club. While full financial details have not yet been released, it is expected to be close to a $12 million deal.
Source: Astros in agreement with free agent RHP Joe Smith, pending physical.
— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) December 13, 2017
Astros offered two years, $12 million to another reliever who’s since off the board, and I expect Smith deal to be in that range.
— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) December 13, 2017
Joe Smith signs with the Houston Astros
Smith split the 2017 season between the Toronto Blue Jays and Cleveland Indians, where he threw 54.0 innings with 71 strikeouts in 59 games. He did miss a month due to right shoulder inflammation. The Astros will need to approach with caution and not overwork him at the beginning stages of the 2018 season.
He was drafted 94th overall by the New York Mets in 2006. Smith quickly made his MLB debut in April of 2007. Smith has never been a starter in his career but does have 30 saves. His best season is also not far removed, coming in 2014. That year he converted on 15 of 19 save opportunities and over 74.2 innings maintained a 1.81 ERA.
Smith has 195 holds over his career and the Astros will likely use him in the seventh or eighth inning, with a potential spot save now and again. His 624.2 innings, 547 K’s, and 2.97 ERA will be a welcomed addition to his new team for the 2018 season as they look to defend their World Series Championship.
Main Photo:
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Joe Smith celebrates during game two of the American League Division Series at Progressive Field on October 6, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. (photo by Getty Images).
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