Josh Smith, the Texas Rangers’ versatile infielder, has demonstrated exceptional adaptability and offensive prowess, earning him the American League Silver Slugger Award at the utility position for the 2024 season. Emergence as a Utility StarIn the 2024 season, Smith’s performance reached new heights. Over 149 games, he achieved career-best numbers, hitting .258 with 13 home runs, 62 RBIs, and 30 doubles. His .337 on-base percentage and .394 slugging percentage culminated in a .731 OPS. Notably, he ranked fifth in the American League for times hit by pitch (18) and shared the 17th spot in doubles. His defensive versatility was evident as he started games at third base, shortstop, designated hitter, left field, and right field. With Josh Jung’s absence due to injury, Smith seamlessly took on the role of primary third baseman, starting 69 games in that position. Historic Silver Slugger AchievementSmith’s offensive contributions did not go unnoticed. He became the first Rangers player to win the Silver Slugger Award at the utility position, a category introduced in 2022. This accolade marked the third consecutive year a Rangers player received a Silver Slugger, following Nathaniel Lowe’s win in 2022 and Corey Seager’s and Marcus Semien’s awards in 2023. Smith’s 2024 performance underscored his value to the team and solidified his status as a key offensive contributor. Pursuit of the Gold GloveBeyond offensive accolades, Smith set his sights on defensive excellence. He aimed to become the first MLB player to secure both the Silver Slugger and Gold Glove awards as a utility man. Achieving this would highlight his exceptional defensive skills and versatility. However, to attain the Gold Glove, improvements in advanced defensive metrics, such as Outs Above Average, were necessary. Manager Bruce Bochy acknowledged Smith’s importance, expressing a commitment to finding ways to keep him in the lineup, given the team’s depth and competition for positions. Team Impact and Future Outlook dmith’s contributions were pivotal to the Rangers’ success in 2024. His ability to excel in multiple positions provided the team with flexibility and depth. As the Rangers continue to build on their achievements, players like Smith play a crucial role in maintaining competitiveness and adaptability. His journey reflects the team’s resilience and commitment to excellence, setting high standards for Future seasons.
