Joe Smith: The Minnesota Twins hidden All Star
Every successful team has their unsung heroes, players who perform well but fly under the radar. The Minnesota Twins are certainly not an exception to that statement.
While the likes of Carlos Correa, Byron Buxton, and Joe Ryan are getting the headlines, they are not the only reasons for the Twins’ success. Middle reliever Joe Smith has been a major part of why the Twins find themselves atop the AL Central.
Minnesota Twins reliever Joe Smith making All Star case
Smith has been one of the better relievers in the game this season. He has quietly posted a 0.64 ERA and a 1.000 WHiP over his 14 innings entering Wednesday, striking out 11 batters while issuing two walks. Opponents have managed a meager .548 OPS against him in 54 plate appearances this year as he has been a key piece in the middle of the Twins’ bullpen.
Those numbers still do not do Smith justice. He had 13 inherited runners thus far in 2022 and allowed none of them to score. Smith is tied for eighth on the Twins with 0.7 bWAR, just behind Correa. And yet, no one would know.
Smith has been a solid player throughout his career. A 15 year major league veteran, he has been a steady reliever, a key part of five playoff teams. He even ranked tenth in the American League in Win Probability Added in 2014, an impressive feat for a middle reliever.
It is time that his career is recognized. Middle relievers and setup men have been honored with berths in the All Star Game in past years as their importance has become more evident. Smith deserves that recognition as well, especially considering his dominance this season.
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Joe Smith has been an underappreciated part of the Minnesota Twins this season. Maybe this is the year he earns his first All Star berth.