Former Atlanta Braves and Houston Astros relief pitcher Will Smith is looking for a new team.
After the Astros let him walk in free agency, he’s been waiting on a call from MLB teams to make his return in 2023.
One team needing some upgrades with their bullpen is the Chicago Cubs.
However, is the 33-year-old reliever worth a look by the Cubs, or should they look past him?
Smith Has Regressed Too Much To Help The Cubs
While the veteran pitcher has a long history of being a solid reliever, he has had some regressive seasons as of late.
He had a 4.50 ERA in 2020, his worse since his rookie season in 2012.
However, 2022 was trending in the same direction when he had a 4.38 ERA with the Braves.
But after a trade to the Astros, he made improvements to his ERA, finishing the season with a 3.97 ERA.
Before going through this it’s important to note that Will Smith was shaky at times last year. Houston, a premiere development organization, didn’t even use him in the playoffs. Smith sported a 3.97 ERA, 3.57 xERA, and a 15.3% K%-BB%. He’s a FA after HOU declined his $13m option.
— Greg Zumach (@IvyFutures) November 14, 2022
With the Cubs having a bullpen full of pitchers near those numbers, it makes sense to pass on Smith.
He also comes at a price, as his option that the Astros declined was worth $13 million.
A $13 million contract for the player the Astros and Braves got in 2022 isn’t worth the price tag.
So with regression in 2020 and 2022, along with his asking price, it’s too risky to sign him.
When you add in how the Cubs are developing some pitchers in their farm system, it’s best to leave him on the free agency market.
While Smith had some exceptional years in the past, he isn’t worth signing in 2023.
NEXT: 2 Cubs Legends Have An Emotional Moment At Team's Fan Convention