The Atlanta Braves signed Will Smith (The pitcher) to a 3 year, 39 million dollar deal with a 1 million dollar buyout on the 4th year club option. Smith, who has put up a 2.66 ERA and a 2.71 FIP over the last two seasons while holding opposing batters to a .193 batting average, comes to an Atlanta team that desperately needs help in the bullpen. In 2019 the Braves had a bullpen ERA and FIP of 4.21 and 4.49 respectively.
With an average annual value of 13 million, this is one of the most expensive contracts for a closer, only being exceeded by Craig Kimbrel of the Cubs, Ian Kennedy and the Royals, the Yankees and Aroldis Chapman, the Dodgers with Kenley Jansen, and fellow Brave Mark Melancon. If Smith can keep up the pace he has set over the last 3 years, it will be a steal for Atlanta, and he very well could be the piece that helps them reach the World Series
