Bruce Bochy has joked before that Josh Smith is the Rangers’ emergency catcher. But honestly, it’s not that outside of the realm of possibility. Smith -- who came up through the Minors as a shortstop -- played his first career game in center field on April 22 and has now appeared at every position except pitcher and catcher. He’s the first player in club history to appear in seven positions in the teams first 24 games. When Corey Seager got hurt last week in Sacramento, Smith became the first Rangers player to appear at center field and short in the same game since Danny Santana on Aug. 12, 2019 in Toronto. Since making his MLB debut in 2022, Smith has logged appearances at shortstop (94 games), second base (eight games), third base (152 games), first base (two games), left field (50 games), right field (two games) and designated hitter (28 games). "The versatility that Josh provides is unbelievable,” said general manager Ross Fenstermaker. “You know what he's doing offensively, but the ability to play different positions seemingly every day and fill in where needed is great. Obviously he did a great job of that last year, winning the Silver Slugger as a utility player. It's a nice weapon to have in the club. He’s a winning baseball player for Boch to deploy however we need.” |
Bochy has managed for well over two decades, but he’s never had one quite like Smith, who has embraced it every step of the way. He spells guys off days when they need it, he fills in when guys are injured -- most notably when 2023 All-Star Josh Jung landed on the injured list from April 2-July 28 with a right wrist fracture. Smith started at third base for 69 of Texas’ 102 games over that time. He moves around all over the field and never skips a beat. “This is something I’m lucky to have,” Bochy said. “We’ve got a guy that moves around and fills holes. It makes things a lot easier when you have a guy like this. You want to put your best team out there, and he's part of our best club.” |
But what makes a player a good utilityman, like Smith? “He accepts a role,” Bochy said. “I think he cherishes it and he takes pride in it. I love the way he was awarded last year with the Silver Slugger. I'm glad that they have an award for that position now. The biggest hurdle guys have to get over with a utility role is being able to accept it and enjoying it. He seemed to enjoy it. He gets a lot of attention, because of what he does and it is well deserved.” Smith has been so good as a utilityman over the last two years that it’s becoming harder and harder for Bochy to keep him out of the lineups. |
In 2024, Smith had a career year, posting career highs in all three slash categories (.258/.337/.394), OPS (.731), home runs (13), RBIs (62), walks (46), runs (67), hits (135) and doubles (30). He ranked among the American League leaders in hit-by-pitches (18, fifth), doubles (tied for 17th) and on-base percentage (18th). He’s already setting himself up well for yet another Silver Slugger. “I’m always gonna be moving Smitty around,” Bochy said. “He swings the bat so well, you gotta find a place for him.” |
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