Why 3-time World Series champ Will Smith was open to returning to Kansas City Royals

It’s been a while since Will Smith stepped into the Kansas City Royals’ clubhouse. Nearly 12 years ago, Smith made his MLB debut against the New York Yankees.

Smith started for the Royals in that game. He faced a Yankees lineup that included Hall of Famer Derek Jeter and former superstars Alex Rodriguez and Mark Teixeira. The Royals had Alcides Escobar, Billy Butler and Mitch Maier in the starting lineup.

The Royals lost 8-3 at Yankee Stadium. Smith pitched 3 1⁄3 innings and allowed five runs in the defeat. However, he rebounded from that effort. In two seasons with the Royals, Smith posted 4.76 ERA in 35 games.

A lot has changed since his first stint in Kansas City.

Those former Yankees are now notable sports broadcasters. Meanwhile, Maier is currently the Royals’ director of player development. Escobar is also nearby, as his cousin Maikel Garcia shines as the Royals’ third baseman.

Smith’s role has also changed. This week, he signed a one-year contract with the Royals and will operate as the potential closer.

“I’m extremely excited to be back,” Smith said. “You know, obviously the first time I was a rookie, so I stayed in my locker and tried to stay out of the way as much as possible. But I played with some great people.

“I remember Bruce Chen was the first guy that kind of got his hands on me and took me under his wing. Luke Hochevar was another great one. Alex Gordon. You know, (they) just kind of showed me the way to be a professional and how to do it every day.”

The Royals valued Smith’s veteran experience. Royals general manager J.J. Picollo wanted to revamp a bullpen that struggled last season. KC relievers had a combined 5.23 ERA during the 2023 campaign.

Smith will fill a major need. He posted a 4.40 ERA and 22 saves for the Texas Rangers while also winning his third consecutive World Series. The Royals hope Smith can help stabilize a bullpen with a young core of relievers.

“We were really excited when we found out Will was open to coming back to Kansas City understanding where the team is,” Picollo said. “We know, above all the things he’s done in the game, he’s an unbelievable competitor. He is a great teammate. The bottom line is he’s a winner and that’s what we want to surround our current players with.”

The Royals aim to be competitive next season. Picollo knows things must improve after a disappointing 56-106 record. This offseason, he has worked to build a stronger roster with depth and experience.

The Royals signed utilityman Garrett Hampson to a one-year deal. They also traded for veteran pitchers Nick Anderson and Kyle Wright.

“We got to put a team together,” Picollo said. “And given the inexperience in our clubhouse — other than really Salvy (Salvador Perez) and Jordan (Lyles) — you know, we felt like we were short and didn’t have the depth, with guys like Will that not only have won at the highest level but just have gone through a lot of experiences in the game. And now, when we bring those two worlds together, we are going to have a better club.”

Smith will have a few familiar faces in the Royals clubhouse. He came up with Perez in the Royals’ minor-league system. Smith was also teammates with Wright and Cole Ragans at one point.

“It’s always nice to walk through a clubhouse and have at least one familiar face, you know,” Smith said. “So, the fact that I know three, you know, I’m pretty excited about it.”

Smith will also provide balance as a left-handed closer. He thrives utilizing a slider that limited opponents to a .120 batting average last season. Smith learned the slider in the minor leagues and it helped generate a successful career.

“I’m very thankful for that pitch,” Smith said. “It’s something I’ve held on to and appreciate it.”

The Royals will continue to search for pitching depth. Picollo would like to add more starting pitching and a possible impact bat to the lineup.

For now, Smith addresses a need in the late innings. He has come a long way since his MLB debut as he begins his next chapter with the Royals.

“I don’t want to speak for Will, but part of the reason in what was important to him was that there was a clear opportunity for him to finish games,” Picollo said. “And we certainly have that opportunity for him.”