Report: World Series ring collector Will Smith to sign with Royals

Field Level Media|published: 12/10/2023, 6:04pm EST

Nov 3, 2023; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers relief pitcher Will Smith (51) during the World Series championship parade at Globe Life Field. credits: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Veteran left-handed reliever Will Smith is finalizing a one-year, $5 million deal with the Kansas City Royals, according to multiple reports on Sunday.

Smith is the only player in major league history to win three straight World Series rings with three different teams. He earned rings with the Atlanta Braves in 2021, the Houston Astros in 2022 and the Texas Rangers last season.

Smith had 22 saves while going 2-7 with a 4.40 ERA in 60 appearances for Texas last season.

The 2019 All-Star with the San Francisco Giants might have a hard time continuing that streak if he remains with the Royals all season. Kansas City hasn't made the postseason field since winning the 2015 World Series and had the second-worst record (56-106) in the majors last season.

Smith, 34, is 33-41 with a 3.67 ERA and 113 saves in 573 appearances (17 starts) with six teams over 11 big-league seasons.

Smith started his career with the Royals and went 8-10 with a 4.76 ERA while making all 17 of his major league starts among 35 appearances with the franchise.

Smith had 34 saves for the Giants in his All-Star season and a career-best 37 for the Braves two years later.

—Field Level Media