Ex-Giants RP Will Smith, Braves Agree to 3-Year, $39 Million Contract

The first major MLB offseason move was made by the Atlanta Braves on Thursday when they signed free-agent closer Will Smith to a three-year deal.

The team announced Smith's contract is for $39 million and includes a $13 million club option for 2023.

Smith was named to the All-Star team for the first time in his seven-year career last season with the San Francisco Giants. The left-hander had a 2.76 ERA in 63 games and set career highs with 34 saves, 96 strikeouts and 13.2 strikeouts per nine innings. 

The Giants gave Smith a qualifying offer that would have paid him $17.8 million next season if he chose to accept it.

Under MLB rules, San Francisco will receive an additional draft pick after Competitive Balance Round B since Smith's guaranteed money is less than $50 million. 

Smith, meanwhile, gets long-term security from one of the best teams in the National League. The Braves' entered the offseason needing to add more depth to their pitching staff. They finished 2019 ranked 11th in MLB with a 4.18 ERA from their relievers. 

MLB Network's Jon Heyman noted the Braves intend to stick with Mark Melancon as their closer in 2020. That leaves Smith and Luke Jackson, who struck out 106 batters in 72.2 innings last season, available for high-leverage spots in the later innings. 

The Braves have made huge strides with back-to-back NL East titles in 2018-19 and winning 97 games last season. Adding Smith strengthens an area of weakness for the organization as it pursues its first World Series appearance since 1999.