Astros, Joe Smith agree to 2-year deal
The Houston Astros agreed with right-handed reliever Joe Smith on a two-year deal, the team announced Wednesday.
Smith's deal is worth $15 million, a source told The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal.
Smith joins a bevvy of relievers to find new homes on Day 3 of the winter meetings. The Astros entered the offseason with a need to upgrade their bullpen after letting Luke Gregerson - who recently signed with the St. Louis Cardinals - Tyler Clippard, and Francisco Liriano test the free-agent market.
The 33-year-old has been one of the more underrated relievers over past several seasons. In his 11-year career, Smith has never posted an ERA above 4.00 and is coming off another productive campaign split between the Toronto Blue Jays and Cleveland Indians. He finished with a 3.33 ERA but carried a much better 2.09 FIP, along with a 1.03 WHIP in 59 games.
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