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Blue Jays sign RH reliever Joe Smith

By Chris Henderson

May 1, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Los Angeles Angels relief pitcher Joe Smith (38) throws during the ninth inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
May 1, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Los Angeles Angels relief pitcher Joe Smith (38) throws during the ninth inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Blue Jays added another relief to their bullpen fold late Saturday night, signing Joe Smith to a 1 year, major league deal. MLB on Fox’s Ken Rosenthal was the first to break the news.

The Blue Jays aren’t done adding to their bullpen after all, coming to an agreement with veteran right hander Joe Smith on Saturday evening. The terms of the deal have yet to be released, but we know it’s a one year, major league contract.

Smith is a 10 year veteran, and spent last season split between the Anaheim Angels and Chicago Cubs. All told, his numbers actually look pretty decent as he finished the season with a 3.46 ERA across 52 appearances.

He had a 3.82 ERA over 37.2 innings with the Angels before being traded to Chicago for minor league right-hander Jesus Castillo . With the Cubs he pitched even better, with a 2.51 ERA over 14.1 innings, but unfortunately for Smith, he was left off the playoff roster. *Sidenote- he’ll still get a World Series ring, though.

With a bit of a sidearm delivery, Smith brings some late inning experience with him to Toronto, having saved a career high 15 games in 2014. He’s certainly had some success in the past, including last season.

While Smith may not be the sexiest name (and we don’t know the terms of the deal yet), it appears the Blue Jays front office has struck again on a late-offseason bullpen signing. With less than 10 days before pitchers start reporting, the last of the free agent crop is bound to start dropping like flies this week, and the Blue Jays have now added Smith in addition to J.P. Howell from earlier this week.

After adding those two arms to the stable with incumbent’s Roberto Osuna, Jason Grilli, & Joe Biagini, as well as a host of minor leaguer signings, the Blue Jays bullpen is finally starting to round in to shape.

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It’ll be interesting to see if Mark Shapiro and Ross Atkins continue to add as we approach spring training. For now, it would appear the price is right, and there are still some talented bullpen arms available.

At the very least, Smith brings another veteran arm to the bullpen, giving Blue Jays fans one more reason to feel good about the upcoming campaign.

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