Yankees should explore deal to add reliever(s) from San Francisco Giants

By far the most dominant reliever in the Giants’ bullpen, Will Smith is well on his way to earning a spot in the All-Star Game this year. However, it may or may not be with the National League if he gets dealt prior to July 9th.

The lefty has pitched in 27 games in 2019 with a 2.03 ERA and a 0.75 WHIP across 26.2 innings pitched. Additionally, Smith has a ridiculous 38/6 K/BB ratio this season and has compiled 16 saves (tied for seventh in the Majors). The lefty has a 1.0 WAR thus far into the season – tied for ninth in baseball among qualified relievers.

Having pitched in Oracle Park -widely considered a pitchers ballpark- you would expect Smith to have better numbers at home. However, that’s not necessarily the case this season:

• Home (2019): 16 G, 11 H, 4 R, 21/4 K/BB, .193/.246/.246, .306 BABIP
• Away (2019): 11 G, 3 H, 2 R, 17/2 K/BB, .086/.135/.286, .063 BABIP

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Interpret this any way you want, but Smith has been money on the road even when pitching in a pitcher-friendly ballpark at home. One point of concern is that the 29-year old had Tommy John Surgery and missed all of the 2017 season. However, he seems well past the injury based on his success in 2018 and so far in 2019.

Smith would be a rental if traded since he’s a free agent after this season which makes him even more attractive to teams looking to acquire him. He’s going to be the most sought after reliever on the Giants in the coming weeks but if the Yankees can add him he could be a huge difference maker at the back end of their pen.