No, not Cody Bellinger, not trading for Pete Alonso or Juan Soto, not even Shohei Ohtani, you want the Chicago Cubs to win the 2024 World Series, then Jed Hoyer better be on the phone right now, doing everything he can to sign left-handed reliever Will Smith.
You want to talk about a proven winner? Well, how about the lefty winning his third consecutive World Series this past week with the Texas Rangers. Smith became the first player in MLB history to win three straight titles with three different teams.
And actually, this incredible streak goes beyond baseball. Smith pitched twice for the Rangers against the Arizona Diamondbacks and became the first player ever in all four major American sports leagues to play in and win three straight championships with three different teams in three consecutive seasons.
And wouldn't you know it, after only signing a one-year deal with Texas last offseason, Smith is now going to be a free agent. I mean, c'mon, the Cubs do need bullpen help!
Smith, who made his MLB debut with the Kansas City Royals in 2012, doesn't have insanely dominant numbers, but since becoming a full-time reliever with the Milwaukee Brewers in 2014, he's recorded a solid 3.39 ERA. He effectiveness has declined during the past three years, posting a 3.91 ERA in 184.1 innings, but Smith has continued to be a reliable relief option, appearing in 60+ games in the last four full seasons.
By the way, during his postseason career, Smith has a 2.91 ERA in 21.2 innings. So, let's go Jed, sign Will Smith.
Also, in an unrelated note, the 2023 World Series between the Rangers and Diamondbacks was the lowest rated World Series in history. Just throwing this out there, MLB maybe wants the Cubs in the World Series because they get eyes on the screen.
So yeah, if the Cubs do sign Smith, I'm definitely betting on them to win the 2024 World Series.
