Braves sign closer Smith to 3-year, $39 million contract

[November 16, 2019]    The Atlanta Braves signed All-Star closer Will Smith to a three-year, $39 million contract Thursday. The deal includes a 2023 club option for $13 million.

Dodgers catcher Will Smith (16) rounds the bases on a three run home run in the ninth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

The 30-year-old left-hander was an All-Star with the San Francisco Giants in 2019, finishing 6-0 with 34 saves and a 2.76 ERA in 63 appearances.

Smith struck out 96 batters and walked 21 in 65 1/3 innings, holding opponents to a .196 average. Left-handed hitters batted just .157 against him with two extra-base hits.

Smith is 26-22 with a 3.53 ERA and 49 saves in 359 career games with the Giants (2016, 2018-19), Milwaukee Brewers (2014-16) and Kansas City Royals (2012-13). He missed the 2017 season after having Tommy John surgery on his left elbow.

--Field Level Media

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