3 potential reunions that could help the SF Giants in 2023

3 potential reunions that could help the SF Giants in 2023

2. Left-handed pitcher Will Smith

Veteran reliever Will Smith must be feeling lucky these days. After all, he won a World Series with the Atlanta Braves in 2021 and then another with the Houston Astros this past season. Similar to Matt Moore, Smith came over to the Giants at the 2016 trade deadline from the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for Andrew Susac and Phil Bickford.

This became a pretty successful move by the Giants as Smith emerged as one of the better Giants relievers in recent memory. This includes a 2019 All-Star appearance.

He departed via free agency after that season and signed a three-year, $39 million with a team option for a fourth season with the Atlanta Braves. He was shipped to the Astros in 2022 and they bought out that option for $1 million, making the lefty reliever a free agent.

He remained a quality arm throughout the life of that contract, but he was not necessarily as good the 2.70 ERA he posted with the Giants across three seasons. That said, Smith put together a solid season in 2022, posting a 3.97 ERA, 4.26 FIP, 1.40 WHIP, 9.9 K/9, and a 2.60 SO/W ratio in 65 outings.

Teams are likely concerned about his less-than-stellar peripherals such as the 4.26 FIP or 1.40 WHIP. Though, he still tallied good strikeout numbers and flashed a slider that remains tough to hit. Opposing hitters registered a .186 batting average against it in 2022, so he still has a plus pitch.

The Giants have not done a lot to address the team's defense, so having a good strikeout pitcher like Smith would sidestep that issue.