It’s no secret the Dodgers need bullpen help and because of that, they’re going to be linked to nearly every available reliever.
In an article for MLB.com, Mark Feinsand called relief pitcher Will Smith an ideal fit for the Dodgers.
Here is what Feinsand said of Smith and the Dodgers:
The Dodgers’ bullpen ranked fourth in the Majors during the regular season with a 3.78 ERA, but the unit was exposed in the postseason (6.75 ERA), making the relief corps a focus for Los Angeles this offseason. Kenley Jansen had a career-high eight blown saves, so while he is likely to remain as the closer, adding a proven late-inning arm such as Smith — who converted 34 of 38 save opportunities while striking out 13.2 batters per nine innings — would help bolster the back end of the bullpen.
Smith, 30, is coming off an All-Star season as the Giants’ closer. In 65 1/3 innings, he posted a 2.76 ERA, 3,23 FIP, 13.22 K/9 and 2.89 BB/9. In his career, he has pitched to a 3.53 ERA and 3.29 FIP in 410 2/3 innings.
MLB dot com is linking Will Smith (the pitcher) to the Dodgers in free agency. He's a qualifying offer guy… Should LA potentially give up a draft pick for a reliever?
— Clint Pasillas (FRG) (@realFRG) November 9, 2019
He would be a big upgrade to the Dodgers’ bullpen and give them the shutdown left-handed reliever they have been struggling to find. There is also the added?—and very important?—benefit that the Dodgers would be able to have reliever Will Smith throw to catcher Will Smith.
Still, it’s hard to imagine the Dodgers paying a third big-money reliever after Kenley Jansen opted-in to his contract and after signing Joe Kelly last season.
If they do make a move for the bullpen, I would expect it to be for someone like Drew Pomeranz, who will be cheaper while still providing a lot of upside.
