In college at Wright State University, Smith redshirted for the Wright State Raiders and played three years in Horizon League competition. Ultimately, Smith became Wright State's closer during his junior and senior years, as he gained 4–6 miles per hour (6.4–9.7 km/h) on his fastball after changing his delivery.[citation needed] In his senior season, he had 13 saves and a 0.98 earned run average (ERA). In three seasons Smith posted 22 saves, 145 strikeouts, and 39 walks. In 2005, he was the WSU team MVP and in 2006 he was awarded second-team All-Mideast Region, first-team Horizon League, Horizon League Pitcher of the Year, and WSU Most Valuable Male Athlete.[citation needed]
Smith made the Mets' Opening Day 25-man roster in 2007. On April 1, 2007, Smith made his major league debut. He struck out one (Preston Wilson) and walked one (Albert Pujols). He also gave up a single to David Eckstein. Smith earned his first major league win on April 24, 2007, after coming on in relief in the 12th inning.[2] Smith enjoyed much success at the beginning of 2007 but began to tire and was sent down to the minors at mid-year. Smith was with the Mets for the 2008 season, enjoying varied success. He went 6–3 in 63.3 innings with a 3.55 ERA.
Cleveland Indians
On December 10, 2008, Smith was traded by the Mets to the Cleveland Indians as part of a twelve-player, three-team deal.[3] On January 18, 2013, the Cleveland Indians announced they had avoided arbitration with Smith, signing him to a one-year contract worth $3.15 million.[4]
Smith became a free agent following the 2013 season but expressed interest in remaining with the Tribe.[5]
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim / Los Angeles Angels
Smith with the Angels in 2015
On November 24, 2013, Smith reportedly agreed to a three-year contract for $15 million with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, pending the completion of a physical.[6] On November 27, 2013, the Angels confirmed that the team and Smith agreed to the terms.[7] On April 25, 2014, Smith was named the Angels' new closer after multiple struggles by former closer Ernesto Frieri. After the Angels traded for San Diego Padres' All-Star closer Huston Street on July 18, 2014, Smith was moved to an eighth-inning setup role. Smith finished 2014 with 15 saves in 76 games, achieving a 1.81 ERA on 1105 pitches.
On June 8, 2016, Smith went on the disabled list with a hamstring injury.
Chicago Cubs
On August 1, 2016, the Angels traded Smith to the Chicago Cubs for prospect Jesús Castillo.[8] In 16 more appearances with the Cubs to finish 2016, Smith had a 1-1 record and a 2.51 ERA. Overall in 2016, combined with both teams he played for, Smith made 54 total appearances with a 1-4 record and a 3.82 ERA. Smith was a member of the Cubs' 2016 World Series championship team but did not make any postseason appearances.[9]
Toronto Blue Jays
On February 9, 2017, Smith signed a one-year, $3 million contract with the Toronto Blue Jays.[10][11] Smith became the Blue Jays setup man early in the season, after Jason Grilli struggled in the role and Joe Biagini was moved to the starting rotation.[12] He was placed on the 10-day disabled list on June 19 with shoulder inflammation.[13] In 38 games, he was 3-0 with a 3.28 ERA in 35+2⁄3 innings.
Cleveland Indians (second stint)
On July 31, 2017, the Blue Jays traded Smith to the Cleveland Indians for Thomas Pannone and Samad Taylor.[14] In 18+1⁄3 innings, he had an ERA of 3.44 for the Indians.
Houston Astros
On December 13, 2017, Smith signed a two-year contract with the Houston Astros worth $15 million.[15] In his first season in Houston, Smith appeared in 56 games, recording a record of 5-1 in 45+2⁄3 innings with a 3.74 ERA. On December 13 while working out, Smith suffered a ruptured left Achilles tendon. He underwent surgery for it on December 20.[16]
In 2019, Smith was 1–0 with a 1.80 ERA in 28 relief appearances in which he pitched 25.0 innings.[17]
On December 16, 2019, Smith resigned with the Astros on a two-year contract worth $8 million.[18] Smith did not play in the abbreviated 60-game 2020 season and forfeited his $4M salary after returning to Ohio to spend time with his mother who was battling the final stages of Huntington's disease.[19] Smith returned to the Astros in 2021, but struggled to a 7.48 ERA in 27 appearances with the team.[20]
On March 20, 2022, Smith signed with the Minnesota Twins.[22] In 34 appearances for Minnesota, he registered a 4.61 ERA with 17 strikeouts across 27+1⁄3 innings of work. On August 3, Smith was designated for assignment by the Twins.[23] He was released on August 5.
On January 31, 2024, Smith announced his retirement from professional baseball via Instagram.[24][25]
Pitching style
Smith's pitching style is different from most. According to hitters, he comes at the batter from third base. His release point is about 4:30 on the analog clock, lower than sidearm, and higher than submarine.[26] Smith's fastball usually is at 88–90 mph, sometimes reaching 93 mph. His fastball can even be considered a sinker because of its hard downward movement. He routinely gets ground balls because of this. Smith also throws a slider and a changeup.
In 2012, Smith's mother was diagnosed with Huntington's disease; the condition leads to the death of nerve cells in the brain. Smith has a 50% chance of inheriting the condition.[27] Smith and LaForce dedicate much of their free time to raising awareness for their organization HelpCureHD.org, which provides funding for couples to go through the PGD-IVF process as a way to stop the disease from continuing to future generations.[28]
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