Braves make big splash in signing closer Will Smith

The Atlanta Braves made the first big splash of the offseason by signing free agent closer Will  Smith to a three-year deal.

Many thought Will Smith could have been a member of the Atlanta Braves this past season but the San Francisco Giants decided not to trade him.

Now the Newnan, Ga. native is set to be a Brave for at least the next three seasons.

Alex Anthopoulos was very sneaky in this acquisition as the Braves Twitter announced it before anyone.

Apparently Smith’s agent gave teams an ultimatum and said they could either sign the closer now or he would accept the $17.8 million qualifying offer, which is kind of smart.

It went right up until the 5 p.m. ET deadline on Thursday afternoon, but the Braves were able to work out a deal for three years and $39 million, more than doubling the money Smith would have made if he’d accepted the qualifying offer.

Smith was set to be the top free agent closer on the market this offseason and likely would have gotten a solid offer, which of course he did anyway from the Braves.

The 30-year-old had an All-Star season in 2019 posting a 2.76 ERA in 65.1 innings with 96 strikeouts, 34 saves, and a WHIP of 1.03.

Since taking over as the Giants closer in 2018 he’s been one of the best in the game.

Over his seven-year career, he has an ERA of 3.53 in 410.2 innings with 494 strikeouts and a WHIP of 1.25.

He missed the entire 2017 season after having Tommy John surgery, but since coming back he’s been lights out.

There is no-trade provision in Smith’s contract and there is a team option for a fourth year at $13 million with a $1 million buyout, so he’s guaranteed $40 million in this deal.

What’s also noteworthy in this deal is that the Braves will give up their second-highest pick in the 2020 MLB Draft.

But regardless, with the Braves having Mark Melancon, Shane Greene, and Darren O’Day already in the fold for 2020, they suddenly have a great bullpen going into next season.

Atlanta still has to fill holes at third base, catcher, and starting pitcher. We’ll see if this is just the start of a big offseason for AA and the Braves or just a teaser.