When the Astros traded Jake Odorizzi to the Braves for lefty reliever Will Smith on August 2, I initially had two thoughts about the swap. The primary objective was arguably financially motivated as this transaction shipped off Odorizzi’s 2023 player option to Atlanta, which, if exercised, would pay him $6.5 million. If he chose not to exercise it and look for a more significant payday elsewhere on the open market, he would still receive $3.5 million in a buyout. On the other hand, Smith is only owed the balance of his $13 million for 2022, and the Astros will likely elect not to exercise his $13 million club option for 2023, which instead turns into a $1 million buyout.
Will Smith’s Improvement, Something Meaningful?
