8 Royals Who Won't Return in 2025 Season
By Joe Summers
3. Will Smith - RP
Kansas City's problems are fairly clear. They need more punch offensively and they desperately need to upgrade the bullpen. Will Smith began the season as the closer but almost immediately proved he shouldn't be in that role, giving up four runs in his first appearance before posting a 7.56 ERA in April.
On the season, Smith finished with an 0-4 record and 6.53 ERA in 41.1 innings, walking 15 batters while striking out 29. He was once a fearsome reliever and showed flashes throughout the campaign following his demotion, but Smith will be looking for a new team next year.
He dealt with injuries, but it's no surprise that Kansas City's bullpen got demonstrably better once Matt Quatraro settled on a trusted group. Smith's command issues and decline in velocity are concerning signs. At his age, it's hard to imagine his problems suddenly going away.
The Royals' bullpen ERA of 4.13 was among the worst in the sport and buoyed by a strong surge in September. Fans were frustrated watching the seemingly absurd number of games the bullpen melted away, so few players should return.
Smith has enjoyed a successful career, and it's notable he'd won three straight World Series rings until this year. Kansas City gave it their best shot and Smith's promise eroded as the season went on.