Will Smith

Will Smith 

Here’s a polished, human-touch article about American Major League Baseball pitcher Will Smith — capturing his background, career path and milestones with a narrative tone.

Early Life & Amateur Career

William Michael “Will” Smith was born on July 10, 1989, in Newnan, Georgia. At Northgate High School, he developed as a left‐handed pitcher and earned attention from scouts.

After high school, Smith’s professional journey began when he was selected in the seventh round (229th overall) of the 2008 MLB Draft by the Los Angeles Angels. He made his debut in the rookie-level Pioneer League with the Orem Owlz, striking out 76 batters while walking only six.

Minor Leagues & Breakthrough

Smith quietly climbed the minor-league ladder, moving through levels such as Class A (Cedar Rapids Kernels, 2009), Class A-Advanced (Rancho Cucamonga Quakes, 2010) and later Double-A and Triple-A assignments. 

A highlight of his time in the Royals’ farm system came on July 19, 2011, when pitching for the Northwest Arkansas Naturals (Double-A Texas League), he teamed with Kelvin Herrera to throw a combined no-hitter — Smith handled the first seven innings. 

Major League Debut & Early Career

The Kansas City Royals promoted Will Smith to the major leagues for the first time on May 22, 2012. In his rookie season, he made 16 starts, finishing with a 6-9 record and a 5.32 ERA. 

In 2013, the Royals shifted him into a relief-pitching role. While he still made some spot starts, his primary action came from the bullpen and in Triple-A.

Journeyman Years: Trades & Teams

Smith’s career took him through a number of clubs:

1- Early on, he was traded from the Angels to the Royals (along with Sean O’Sullivan) in July 2010 in exchange for Alberto Callaspo. 

2- Later, the San Francisco Giants acquired him (August 1, 2016) from the Milwaukee Brewers for Phil Bickford and Andrew Susac.

3- In 2017, Smith underwent Tommy John surgery after a UCL issue in his left elbow ended his season. 

4-He returned in 2018 and became a reliable bullpen arm; in 2019 he was named the Giants’ closer, converted all 23 of his save opportunities in the first half, finished with 34 saves, a 6-0 record and a 2.76 ERA in 65.1 innings. 

Recent Milestones & Records

Smith’s later career included noteworthy achievements:

* On August 2, 2022, he was traded to the Houston Astros for Jake Odorizzi. With the Astros he earned his second-straight World Series ring, becoming one of only a handful of players to win consecutive titles with different teams. 

* On March 4, 2023, Smith signed a one-year deal with the Texas Rangers. He led the Rangers with 22 saves that season and helped the team win the World Series in 2023 — his hird straight World Series win with three different teams — a first in North American professional sports history. 

* Following that, in December 2023 he signed a one-year deal with the Royals for a second stint. However, an injury limited his impact and the Royals were eliminated in the 2024 ALDS, ending Smith’s bid at a fourth consecutive title. 

Style & Impact

As a left-handed relief pitcher, Smith’s versatility (starter early in his career, then high-leverage reliever/closer) allowed him to adapt and thrive. His injury setback (Tommy John surgery) is a reminder of the volatility of a pitching career — yet his bounce-back to elite status speaks to resilience.

Beyond individual stats, Smith’s presence on multiple championship teams speaks to his value not just on the mound but in the clubhouse: being trusted in key moments, bringing veteran experience, and contributing to winning cultures.

Personal & Legacy

While not every fan may know his full biography off-the-bat, Will Smith’s journey from a high-round draft pick, through injuries and team changes, to becoming part of historic championship runs, is a compelling narrative for any athlete.

His story underscores key themes: adaptability (starter → reliever), perseverance (recovering from surgery), and taking advantage of opportunity (closing and high-leverage appearances).

Looking Ahead

Though his bid for a fourth straight World Series title stalled in 2024, Smith remains a significant figure in MLB. Even if his role evolves further, the chapters he has already written make him a player worth remembering — not only for the rings but for the journey behind them.