The Rangers traded Joey Gallo in 2021 for four little known Yankees prospects: Josh Smith, Ezequiel Duran, Glenn Otto and Trevor Hauver.
On the surface it looked like a bad trade, none of the prospects were in the Yankees top 10. It does not look like a bad trade anymore.
Otto, Duran and Smith have all contributed at the major league level already. Smith has more than contributed.
Now I am not saying he is going to be the future third baseman of the team, that is supposed to be Josh Jung. However, if Smith continues to perform well, there will be a place on this team for him going forward.
I am not saying Josh Smith has been perfect, and he has had some defensive mistakes at third. But he is working diligently to improve and he is an asset at the plate.
Even in the Rangers loss to the Athletics on Tuesday evening, Smith had some great defense and some timely hits. Every time he comes up to bat I feel like he is going to get on base somehow.
The Rangers are much better in 2022 than they were in 2021. Josh Smith has been a part of that.
He can play third, shortstop, second, and some outfield. He is the kind of versatility that the Rangers need coming off the bench in the future.
With Josh Jung going down to injury the past two seasons, it is nice to know that Josh Smith is in the Rangers system and performing well.
While I still believe Jung is the plan for the future of this organization, Josh Smith has made himself at least a consideration for the 2023 roster and beyond.
I am really looking forward to watching Josh grow the remainder of the season and beyond. He is making baseball fun in Texas again.
