Surprise, Arizona – Kansas City Royals’ veteran player, Will Smith, took on an unusual role in recruiting new teammates for the team’s upcoming season. Striving to build a competitive roster, Smith reached out to fellow athlete Seth Lugo, seeking to assuage any concerns his family might have about joining the team. Lugo’s wife, Amanda, had expressed worry about being the only family with children on the young team, prompting Lugo to inquire about the presence of other children in the organization.
The efforts of Smith and the Royals to bolster their roster paid off, with the team spending over $100 million on seven free agents. In addition to these signings, the team also secured shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. to an 11-year, $288.8 million extension and added reliever John Schreiber from the Red Sox in a trade. Despite projections suggesting a mediocre season for the Royals, the team’s new additions have instilled confidence among the players, who are optimistic about their chances of contention in the upcoming season.
The Royals’ recruitment spree saw Smith taking a proactive role in facilitating the signings. Upon finalizing his own one-year, $5 million deal with the team, Smith immediately began advocating for further improvements. His enthusiasm and dedication to the team’s success prompted him to engage in extensive discussions with the Royals’ general manager, J.J. Picollo, to strategize about additional acquisitions.
Smith’s efforts extended beyond his own signing, as he proactively reached out to his former teammate, Chris Stratton, encouraging him to join the Royals. Similarly, he played a pivotal role in securing agreements with Nick Anderson and Garrett Hampson, displaying a clear determination to revamp the team’s bullpen and overall performance.
Moreover, Smith’s influence was evident in the recruitment of other players, such as Michael Wacha and Hunter Renfroe, both of whom were signed in quick succession. Smith’s dedication to the team’s vision and his active involvement in the recruitment process reflected his commitment to shaping a competitive and successful team for the upcoming season.