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Lefthanded Reliever Will Smith Signs With Braves

Sep 22, 2019; Atlanta, GA, USA; San Francisco Giants relief pitcher Will Smith (13) pitches against the Atlanta Braves during the ninth inning at SunTrust Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

ATLANTA — The Atlanta Braves have bolstered their shaky bullpen by signing left-hander reliever Will Smith to a three-year, $40 million contract on Thursday.

The free-agent deal announced Thursday includes a $13 million option for the 2023 season, with a $1 million buyout.

The 30-year-old Smith went 6-0 with a 2.76 ERA and a career-best 34 saves for the San Francisco Giants this past season. He made the All-Star team for the first time.

The NL East champion Braves were looking to upgrade the bullpen after going through several closers last season, including Luke Jackson, Shane Greene and Mark Melancon.

Smith is Atlanta's fourth free-agent signing of the offseason but the first to change teams. The Braves re-signed outfielder Nick Markakis, catcher Tyler Flowers and reliever Darren O'Day.

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