The 2023 Texas Rangers Spring Training Thread

[saddles]

I guess today is our first bullpen game. I don't think we had one this early last year. Lol

 

[True Rangers Fan]

I guess today is our first bullpen game. I don't think we had one this early last year. Lol

far from it

 

[True Rangers Fan]

Rangers Sign Will Smith

 

[Bmurph]

Rangers Sign Will Smith​

By Mark Polishuk | March 4, 2023 at 8:49am CDT

8:49AM: Smith will earn $1.5MM in guaranteed money, according to Joel Sherman of the New York Post (Twitter link). Up to $2.5MM in bonus money is also available, related to incentives based on total appearances and games finished, indicating that Smith might indeed get some consideration for a closer role.
8:03AM: The Rangers announced that veteran left-hander Will Smith has been signed to a one-year, Major League contract. Infielder Mark Mathias has been designated for assignment to create space for Smith on the roster.
After spending the latter portion of the 2022 season with the World Series champion Astros, Smith now joins the Lone Star State’s other team. The Braves traded Smith to Houston at the trade deadline, which seemed to get the veteran on track after a rough start to the season. Smith posted a 3.27 ERA over 22 innings with the Astros, and cut down drastically on the walks and home runs that plagued him earlier in the year with Atlanta.
Though he didn’t pitch for the Astros in the postseason, Smith still earned his second consecutive championship ring, after also being part of Atlanta’s World Series-winning squad in 2021. The veteran lefty now joins a Rangers team that hasn’t had a winning season since 2016, but has invested heavily over the last two offseasons to upgrade the roster. Bruce Bochy was hired as manager this winter to further bolster the club, and Smith is certainly familiar with his new skipper, having played under Bochy with the Giants from 2016-19.
As MLBTR’s Steve Adams noted in January, Smith’s move to Houston saw him make some changes in pitch usage and mechanics. The southpaw’s success in the wake of those changes might’ve answered any doubts over whether or not Smith had anything left in the tank at age 33, and addressed concerns over his below-average walk and hard-hit ball rates for the season as a whole. That said, there is probably also a reason why Smith remained unsigned until March 4, and there wasn’t even much public buzz about his market until a few weeks ago, when teams like the Tigers and Cubs reportedly showed interest.
For the Rangers, their need for left-handed bullpen depth increased when Brett Martin underwent shoulder surgery in January, as Martin might end up missing the entirety of the 2023 campaign. Smith joins Brock Burke as the primary left-handed weapons in the Texas bullpen, with Smith probably likely to take a more traditional relief role while Burke returns as a multi-inning pitcher. Taylor Hearn and minor league signings Danny Duffy and Joe Palumbo are also in camp, and Smith’s acquisition might squeeze one of the non-roster invitees out of a shot at the Opening Day roster.
Since Smith was a regular closer as recently as the 2021 season, it isn’t out of the question that the Rangers are eyeing him for another late-game role. Texas is hopeful that Jose Leclerc or Jonathan Hernandez can fill late-game roles now that they’re fully healthy, but adding a veteran arm like Smith is also a shrewd depth move. Smith pitched as a closer under Bochy in San Francisco in 2018-19, so the manager might opt to lean on a familiar face if the Rangers do choose to go with a set closer rather than a committee.
Texas acquired Mathias as part of the deadline deal that sent Matt Bush to the Brewers last August, and Mathias ended up appearing in 24 games as the Rangers played out the string. In the small sample size of 74 plate appearances, Mathias hit very well (a .277/.365/.554 slash line), so that hot streak and his multi-positional ability gave the 28-year-old some hope of catching on with Texas in a utility role this season. That scenario is still a possibility if Mathias can clear waivers, but with Robbie Grossmanrecently signed to bolster the outfield mix, the Rangers might prefer to see what the likes of Ezequiel Duran or Josh Smith can do as backup infielders.
Mathias has played in parts of two MLB seasons, with Milwaukee and Texas. Originally a third-round pick for Cleveland in the 2015 draft, Mathis has a strong .286/.377/.466 slash line over 715 career PA at the Triple-A level, so between that production and his spurt of offense with the Rangers last year, a club looking for utility help might be tempted to make a waiver claim.

 

[Bmurph]

Rangers Sign Will Smith​

By Mark Polishuk | March 4, 2023 at 8:49am CDT

8:49AM: Smith will earn $1.5MM in guaranteed money, according to Joel Sherman of the New York Post (Twitter link). Up to $2.5MM in bonus money is also available, related to incentives based on total appearances and games finished, indicating that Smith might indeed get some consideration for a closer role.
8:03AM: The Rangers announced that veteran left-hander Will Smith has been signed to a one-year, Major League contract. Infielder Mark Mathias has been designated for assignment to create space for Smith on the roster.
After spending the latter portion of the 2022 season with the World Series champion Astros, Smith now joins the Lone Star State’s other team. The Braves traded Smith to Houston at the trade deadline, which seemed to get the veteran on track after a rough start to the season. Smith posted a 3.27 ERA over 22 innings with the Astros, and cut down drastically on the walks and home runs that plagued him earlier in the year with Atlanta.
Though he didn’t pitch for the Astros in the postseason, Smith still earned his second consecutive championship ring, after also being part of Atlanta’s World Series-winning squad in 2021. The veteran lefty now joins a Rangers team that hasn’t had a winning season since 2016, but has invested heavily over the last two offseasons to upgrade the roster. Bruce Bochy was hired as manager this winter to further bolster the club, and Smith is certainly familiar with his new skipper, having played under Bochy with the Giants from 2016-19.
As MLBTR’s Steve Adams noted in January, Smith’s move to Houston saw him make some changes in pitch usage and mechanics. The southpaw’s success in the wake of those changes might’ve answered any doubts over whether or not Smith had anything left in the tank at age 33, and addressed concerns over his below-average walk and hard-hit ball rates for the season as a whole. That said, there is probably also a reason why Smith remained unsigned until March 4, and there wasn’t even much public buzz about his market until a few weeks ago, when teams like the Tigers and Cubs reportedly showed interest.
For the Rangers, their need for left-handed bullpen depth increased when Brett Martin underwent shoulder surgery in January, as Martin might end up missing the entirety of the 2023 campaign. Smith joins Brock Burke as the primary left-handed weapons in the Texas bullpen, with Smith probably likely to take a more traditional relief role while Burke returns as a multi-inning pitcher. Taylor Hearn and minor league signings Danny Duffy and Joe Palumbo are also in camp, and Smith’s acquisition might squeeze one of the non-roster invitees out of a shot at the Opening Day roster.
Since Smith was a regular closer as recently as the 2021 season, it isn’t out of the question that the Rangers are eyeing him for another late-game role. Texas is hopeful that Jose Leclerc or Jonathan Hernandez can fill late-game roles now that they’re fully healthy, but adding a veteran arm like Smith is also a shrewd depth move. Smith pitched as a closer under Bochy in San Francisco in 2018-19, so the manager might opt to lean on a familiar face if the Rangers do choose to go with a set closer rather than a committee.
Texas acquired Mathias as part of the deadline deal that sent Matt Bush to the Brewers last August, and Mathias ended up appearing in 24 games as the Rangers played out the string. In the small sample size of 74 plate appearances, Mathias hit very well (a .277/.365/.554 slash line), so that hot streak and his multi-positional ability gave the 28-year-old some hope of catching on with Texas in a utility role this season. That scenario is still a possibility if Mathias can clear waivers, but with Robbie Grossmanrecently signed to bolster the outfield mix, the Rangers might prefer to see what the likes of Ezequiel Duran or Josh Smith can do as backup infielders.
Mathias has played in parts of two MLB seasons, with Milwaukee and Texas. Originally a third-round pick for Cleveland in the 2015 draft, Mathis has a strong .286/.377/.466 slash line over 715 career PA at the Triple-A level, so between that production and his spurt of offense with the Rangers last year, a club looking for utility help might be tempted to make a waiver claim.

Why do we DFA guys like Mathias and continue to keep Spencer Howard.....?

 

[saddles]

 

[armadillooutlaw]

Really dig the Will Smith signing. Low cost. Was good with Houston last year in limited action. Before last year was consistently good- to really good. Could end up being as good of a signing as Matt Moore last year.

 

[Kelleyman]

Really dig the Will Smith signing. Low cost. Was good with Houston last year in limited action. Before last year was consistently good- to really good. Could end up being as good of a signing as Matt Moore last year.

Wonder if we can get some Astro intel with the Will Smith signing. Seems like a decent move, great if he can close at times

 

[Kelleyman]

To me the Mathias DFA indicate Josh Smith is going to be on the MLB active roster

 

[saddles]

To me the Mathias DFA indicate Josh Smith is going to be on the MLB active roster

I got that indication from the article Evan had up yesterday, especially when I read that they are planning on getting Smith work at 1B this spring. Looks like Smith is going to be available to back up everywhere except catcher, although I would think 1B would be on an almost emergency-only basis for awhile.

 

[saddles]

MLB.com's list of free agent relievers.

"Each player's 2023 seasonal age is included in parentheses next to his name. Players are grouped by position and ranked by their FanGraphs' wins above replacement total across 2021-22."


RELIEF PITCHERS

Edwin Díaz (29 years old, 5.0 WAR) -- Signed 5-year deal with NYM (Nov. 9)
Craig Kimbrel (34, 3.0)
Kenley Jansen (35, 2.9)
Taylor Rogers (32, 2.5)
Andrew Chafin (32, 2.3)
Michael Fulmer (30, 2.2)
Chris Martin (37, 2.1) signed today by Red Sox
Chad Green (32, 1.9)
Rafael Montero (31, 1.9) -- Signed 3-year deal with HOU (Nov. 15)
Jesse Chavez (39, 1.7) -- Signed MiLB deal with ATL (Nov. 12)
Danny Duffy (33, 1.6)
Adam Ottavino (37, 1.6)
Richard Bleier (36, 1.5)
Brad Boxberger (35, 1.5)
Garrett Richards (35, 1.3)
Matt Wisler (30, 1.3)
Pierce Johnson (31, 1.2)
David Phelps (35, 1.1)
Matt Moore (33, 1.1)
Luke Weaver (29, 1.1)
Joely Rodríguez (31, 1.0) -- Signed 1-year deal with BOS (Nov. 23)
Carlos Estévez (30, 1.0)
Jake McGee (36, 1.0)
Jimmy Nelson (33, 1.0)
Dominic Leone (30, 0.9)
David Robertson (38, 0.8)
David Price (36, 0.8)
Robert Suarez (32, 0.7)
Sean Doolittle (35, 0.7) -- Signed MiLB deal with WSH (Nov. 6)
Seth Lugo (33, 0.6)
José Álvarez (33, 0.6)
Luke Jackson (30, 0.6)
Corey Knebel (30, 0.6)
Wily Peralta (34, 0.6)
Steve Cishek (37, 0.6)
Trevor May (33, 0.6)
Cody Stashak (29, 0.6)
Archie Bradley (30, 0.5)
Nick Martinez (32, 0.5) -- Signed 3-year deal with SD (Nov. 22)
Hunter Strickland (33, 0.4)
Craig Stammen (38, 0.4)
Erasmo Ramírez (33, 0.4)
Matt Strahm (30, 0.4)
Jeff Hoffman (30, 0.4)
Jackson Stephens (29, 0.4)
Art Warren (30, 0.3)
Derek Holland (35, 0.3)
Aroldis Chapman (35, 0.3)
Will Smith (33, 0.3)
Tyler Duffey (32, 0.3)
Blake Parker (37, 0.3)
Mychal Givens (33, 0.3)
Scott Alexander (33, 0.3)
Manny Bañuelos (32, 0.3)
Jarlín García (30, 0.3)
Brad Hand (32, 0.2)
Alex Reyes (28, 0.2)
Miguel Castro (27, 0.1)
Jay Jackson (34, 0.1)
Evan Marshall (32, 0.1)
Vince Velasquez (30, 0.1)
Reyes Moronto (30, 0.1)
Tommy Kahnle (33, 0.0)
Robert Gsellman (28, 0.0)
Sean Reid-Foley (27, 0.0)
Alex Colomé (34, 0.0)
Will Harris (37, 0.0)
Ken Giles (32, 0.0)
Darren O'Day (40, 0.0)
Grant Dayton (34, 0.0)
Junior Guerra (37, 0.0)
Pedro Báez (35, 0.0)
Shelby Miller (32, 0.0) -- Signed 1-year deal with LAD (Dec. 2)
Justin Wilson (34, 0.0)
Jhoulys Chacín (34, 0.0)
Josh James (30, 0.0)
Miguel Díaz (28, 0.0) -- Signed MiLB deal with DET (Nov. 29)
Anthony Gose (32, 0.0) -- Reported MiLB deal with CLE
Carl Edwards Jr. (30, -0.1)
Trevor Gott (30, -0.1) -- Signed 1-year deal with SEA (Nov. 30)
Jandel Gustave (30, -0.1)
Keone Kela (29, -0.1)
T.J. McFarland (34, -0.1)
Brad Brach (36, -0.1)
Nick Anderson (32, -0.2) -- Signed 1-year deal with ATL (Nov. 11)
Touki Toussaint (27, -0.2)
Luis Perdomo (30, -0.2)
Hirokazu Sawamura (35, -0.2)
Nick Wittgren (31, -0.2)
Tyler Clippard (38, -0.2)
Jeurys Familia (33, -0.3)
Rex Brothers (34, -0.3)
Brandon Workman (33, -0.3)
Cam Bedrosian (30, -0.3)
Jimmy Yacabonis (31, -0.3)
Chasen Shreve (32, -0.4)
Heath Hembree (34, -0.4)
Zack Britton (34, -0.5)
Bryan Shaw (35, -0.5)
Joe Smith (38, -0.5)
Dan Winkler (32, -0.5)
Greg Holland (37, -0.5)
Daniel Norris (30, -0.5)
Alex Young (29, -0.6)
Hansel Robles (31, -0.6)
Sergio Romo (40, -0.6)
Ian Kennedy (37, -0.9)
Scott Oberg (31, N/A)

Here is how MLBTR had Will Smith ranked among relievers about 3 months ago.

 

[saddles]

We are at Dickies Arena getting ready to watch the Panther City Lacrosse Club take on the Saskatchewan Rush.

 

[Kelleyman]

Here is how MLBTR had Will Smith ranked among relievers about 3 months ago.

I am not sure I put too much stock in those figures. Nic Martinez was ranked way too low and Chavez way too high

 

[saddles]

I am not sure I put too much stock in those figures. Nic Martinez was ranked way too low and Chavez way too high

Martinez would be down because he only pitched one of those years.

 

[Kelleyman]

I don’t think we hung the moon in the W Smith signing Surely not sold on him taking the closer job. But hopefully he is and option at least on leverage situations

 

[Bmurph]

Remind me why we still have King on the roster still....

 

[WastinSomeTime]

Ragans has sure been impressive so far this summer. Very encouraging.

 

[saddles]

Remind me why we still have King on the roster still....

The same reason we have Howard and Sborz, so we can lose guys like Englert and Mathias.

 

[saddles]

 

[saddles]