Justin Smoak
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Justin Kyle Smoak (born December 5, 1986) is an American former professional baseball first baseman. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Texas Rangers, Seattle Mariners, Toronto Blue Jays, Milwaukee Brewers, and San Francisco Giants and in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) for the Yomiuri Giants.

Key Information

Smoak played baseball for Stratford High School and the University of South Carolina. He was the 11th overall selection in the 2008 MLB draft by the Texas Rangers. He made his MLB debut with the Rangers in 2010, and was traded to the Seattle Mariners that season. He was claimed by the Blue Jays off waivers in 2014, and played for them until 2019. He was an All Star in 2017, and was fifth in the American League that season with 38 home runs.

High school

[edit]

Smoak graduated from Stratford High School in 2005, after four years of high school baseball.[1] It wasn't until his junior year that scouts began to notice his talent, as they were originally there to scout his teammate and friend, Matt Wieters.[2] He was named by American Baseball Coaches Association, Baseball America, and Collegiate Baseball as a 2005 high school All-American.[1] He was also one of 36 high school players in the nation to play in the 2005 high school All-American baseball game, named South Carolina AAAA Player of the Year in 2004 and 2005, named co-Mr. Baseball for 2005 in South Carolina (alongside Gamecock teammate Reese Havens), made the 2004 and 2005 South Carolina AAAA All-State team, and a member of the 2005 South Carolina AAAA state championship team while with the Stratford Knights.[1] He was initially drafted by the Oakland Athletics as a 16th-round pick in 2005 upon graduation,[3] but instead attended the University of South Carolina.[1]

College

[edit]

Smoak went on to play college baseball for the South Carolina Gamecocks for three years. After batting .303 with 17 home runs and 63 RBIs, Smoak earned Freshman All-American honors.[4] He followed up with a .315 batting average, 22 home runs, and 72 RBIs in his sophomore year, good enough to be tabbed as a third-team All-American.[4] For his junior year, Smoak batted .383, with 23 home runs and 72 RBIs.[3] Smoak was a semi-finalist for the Golden Spikes Award in 2007 and 2008.[5] Smoak is South Carolina's all-time home run king with 62, having broken Hank Small's record of 48, which stood for over 30 years. He is also South Carolina's career leader in RBIs and walks.

Cape Cod League and Team USA

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In the summer of 2006, Smoak played for the Cotuit Kettleers in the Cape Cod Baseball League (CCBL).[6] He led all hitters with 11 home runs, a .565 slugging percentage, and 21 extra-base hits,[7] en route to the MVP award.[8][9] Smoak is a member of the CCBL Hall of Fame class of 2022.[10]

In the summer of 2007, Smoak was a representative for Team USA. During the 2007 Pan American Games, Smoak struggled, hitting .190 for the tournament. He won a silver medal there, when his team lost to Cuba in the finals. Later, he competed with Team USA again in the 2007 World Port Tournament. However, he didn't fare much better, as he finished with a .208 average, though he did lead the tournament with three doubles. In all, Smoak hit .223 and had a .380 slugging percentage for Team USA over the summer.

In 2009, Smoak again represented his country in the IBAF Baseball World Cup. Smoak hit nine home runs and drove in 22 runs, and was named to the 2009 IBAF World Cup All-Tournament Team along with fellow Team USA players Terry Tiffee and Jon Weber. He was also named the 2009 Baseball World Cup's Most Valuable Player.[11] He won the USA Baseball Richard W. "Dick" Case Player of the Year Award in 2009.[12][13]

Professional career

[edit]

Draft

[edit]

Smoak was the 11th overall selection in the 2008 MLB draft by the Texas Rangers.[14] USA Today opined that "getting Smoak at No. 11 may be the best-value pick of the first round."[15]

Several scouting reports wrote that Smoak's biggest strength was his ability to hit for both power and average on both sides of the plate.[4][16] Some scouts compared Smoak to fellow switch hitters Mark Teixeira and Chipper Jones.[17] Smoak's defense was described by mlb.com as follows: "He's got an average arm, but it's good enough for first base... He's not bad around the base with good hands.... The lack of footspeed and heavy lower half provide very limited range."[18][16][19] Baseball America wrote that, as a first baseman, Smoak had "Gold Glove-caliber actions and soft hands", as well as "advanced footwork and instincts at first base", though they wrote that he had merely adequate arm strength.[4] As to his running speed, mlb.com wrote: "He's below average, with heavy legs. He's a bit stiff and knock-kneed."[18]

Texas Rangers

[edit]
Smoak as a rookie for the Texas Rangers in 2010

Smoak did not sign a professional contract until 15 minutes before MLB's deadline for teams to sign draft picks, with Texas general manager Jon Daniels saying: "This is a day we would have liked to have seen happen two months ago, but we think 10 or 15 years from now that will be irrelevant."[20] The Rangers gave Smoak a $3.5 million signing bonus and assigned him to one of their Single-A affiliates, the Clinton LumberKings.[21]

Smoak began play in the 2009 season for the Double–A Frisco RoughRiders. He was promoted on July 8, 2009, to the Triple-A Oklahoma City RedHawks.[22] Smoak entered 2010 ranked among the best prospects in baseball.[23]

Smoak was called up by the Rangers on April 22, 2010, and made his MLB debut the following evening in a game against the Detroit Tigers.[24] He recorded his first MLB hit on April 26, against the Tigers. Smoak set a franchise record by drawing at least one walk in each of his first four games. Smoak got his first MLB home run against the White Sox on April 29 off Gavin Floyd, and hit his first MLB home run while batting right-handed on May 3, against Oakland off Jerry Blevins. On June 13, playing in Milwaukee, Smoak became the first player in Rangers history to strike out five times in a nine-inning game. In 2010 for Texas, he batted .209/.316/.353.

Seattle Mariners

[edit]
Smoak with the Seattle Mariners in 2011

On July 9, 2010, Smoak was traded to the Seattle Mariners with prospects Blake Beavan, Josh Lueke, and Matt Lawson, for Cliff Lee and Mark Lowe.[25] Smoak was sent down to Triple-A Tacoma on July 31. He returned to the Mariners on September 18 and batted .340 with three home runs in the final 14 games of his rookie season. Former Seattle SuperSonics announcer Kevin Calabro gave him the nickname "The Freak From Goose Creek". In 2010, he batted .239/.287/.407 for Seattle, with five home runs and 14 RBIs.[26]

In 2011, Smoak appeared in 123 games and hit .234/.323/.396 with 15 home runs and 55 RBIs.[26]

On July 23, 2012, Smoak was optioned to Triple-A Tacoma, after his batting average dropped down to .189 in the middle of a 1-for-25 slump. A few weeks later he was brought back up to the Mariners due to an injury to first baseman Mike Carp.[27] In 2012, he batted .217/.290/.364 with 19 home runs and 51 RBI in 132 games played.[26]

Smoak hit 20 home runs in 131 games played during the 2013 campaign.[26]

In 2014, his final season in Seattle, Smoak batted .202/.275/.339 with seven home runs and 30 RBIs in 80 games.[26]

Toronto Blue Jays

[edit]

On October 28, 2014, the Toronto Blue Jays claimed Smoak off of waivers.[28] On December 2, Smoak was non-tendered by the Blue Jays, making him a free agent. One day later, they re-signed him to a one-year, $1 million contract for the 2015 season.[29]

He made his debut with Toronto on Opening Day, as a defensive replacement for Edwin Encarnación. On April 22, 2015, Smoak set the all-time record for most plate appearances without hitting a triple to open a career.[30] He extended the record to 2,317 plate appearances, before hitting his first career triple on June 12, against the Boston Red Sox.[31] In a game at Yankee Stadium on August 8, Smoak hit his first career grand slam, and also became the first Blue Jay to hit a grand slam against the Yankees at their home field.[32] He split time at first base for most of the 2015 season with Chris Colabello. In 132 games, Smoak batted .226 with 18 home runs and a career-high 59 RBIs.[26] From 2010 to 2015, his defense was below-average for a major league first baseman, as measured by UZR (Ultimate Zone Rating) and DRS (Defensive Runs Saved).[33][34]

Smoak signed a one-year, $3.9 million contract for the 2016 season with the Blue Jays on December 2, 2015.[35] He changed his uniform number from 13 back to 14, which he had vacated for David Price. On April 5, 2016, he stole his first base in 433 games.[36] On May 3, Smoak hit a game-tying solo home run in the bottom of the ninth inning, and in the tenth inning, hit a walk-off two-run home run to defeat the Texas Rangers 3–1.[37] On July 16, Smoak signed a two-year, $8.25 million extension with the Blue Jays that included a $6 million option for a third year, with a $250,000 buyout.[38] He had an 0-for-29 slump with runners in scoring position, one at bat short of the team's all-time record for the longest hitless streak with runners in scoring position.[36] Smoak played in 126 games for the Blue Jays in 2016, and hit .217/.314/.391 with 14 home runs and 34 RBIs.[26] He struck out 112 times in 341 plate appearances; his 32.8% strikeout rate was the 6th-highest in major league baseball for players with at least 330 plate appearances.[39][40]

He was included on the team's Wild Card and Division Series rosters, but was left off the Championship Series roster.[41] On October 15, Smoak was added to Toronto's ALCS roster after Devon Travis was removed due to injury.[42]

In 2017, Smoak was the American League starting first baseman for the 2017 Major League Baseball All-Star Game. At the time, Smoak had a .303 batting average and 22 home runs, both of which were career highs.[43] On August 25, Smoak hit his 35th home run of the season, and broke José Cruz Jr.'s franchise record for home runs in a single season by a switch-hitter.[44] Smoak ended the 2017 season batting .270 with 128 strikeouts in 560 at bats, and as the Blue Jays' leader in both home runs (38) and RBIs (90), while seeing the highest percentage of curveballs of all MLB hitters (16.6%).[45]

Smoak struggled to match his 2017 offensive numbers the following season. On August 20, 2018, Smoak cleared revocable waivers ahead of the August 31 trade deadline, fueling speculation that he was about to be moved.[46] By the end of the season, Smoak batted .242 with 156 strikeouts in 505 at bats, and was tied for first on the team in home runs (25) and led the team in RBIs (77) and OBP (.350). He struck out in 26.3% of his at bats, the 8th-highest rate in the American League.[47]

Milwaukee Brewers

[edit]

On December 19, 2019, Smoak signed a one-year, $5 million contract with the Milwaukee Brewers.[48] Smoak was designated for assignment by the Brewers on September 3, 2020.[49] To that point, he had hit .186/.262/.381 with five home runs over 126 plate appearances. He was released on September 7.[50]

San Francisco Giants

[edit]

On September 9, 2020, Smoak signed a minor league contract with the San Francisco Giants.[51] Smoak was selected to the active roster the next day.[52] After going hitless in six at-bats, the Giants designated Smoak for assignment on September 21.[53] On September 23, Smoak was released.[53]

Yomiuri Giants

[edit]

On January 7, 2021, Smoak signed with the Yomiuri Giants of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB).[54] On June 18, Smoak decided to leave the Giants and Japan in order to return to the United States to be with his family.[55][56] In 34 games with Yomiuri, Smoak batted .272/.336/.482 with 7 home runs and 14 RBI.

Personal life

[edit]

In November 2010, Smoak married his high school sweetheart, Kristin Bevacqua. They have two daughters.[57] In April 2011, Smoak's father, with whom he had been very close, died of cancer.[58]

See also

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References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Justin Smoak

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Justin Kyle Smoak (born December 5, 1986) is an American former professional baseball first baseman who played eleven seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB) from 2010 to 2020.[1][2] Drafted eleventh overall by the Texas Rangers in the 2008 MLB Draft out of the University of South Carolina, Smoak debuted with the Rangers in 2010 before being traded midseason to the Seattle Mariners.[1][2] He later played for the Toronto Blue Jays (2015–2019), Milwaukee Brewers (2020), and San Francisco Giants (2020), amassing 951 hits, 196 home runs, and 570 runs batted in over 1,366 games with a career batting average of .229.[2][3] Smoak's most notable season came in 2017 with the Blue Jays, when he earned his only All-Star selection, hit a career-high 38 home runs, and posted a .270 batting average with a .883 on-base plus slugging percentage, leading the team in several offensive categories.[4][2] Earlier in his career, he struggled to meet high prospect expectations with the Mariners, batting .225 over parts of five seasons there, but rebounded after signing with Toronto in 2015, where he became a reliable power hitter and defensive contributor at first base.[2] After brief stints with the Brewers and Giants in the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, Smoak signed with the Yomiuri Giants of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) in 2021, appearing in 41 games before leaving the team early for family reasons.[5][6] He has not played professional baseball since, effectively retiring from the sport.[2]

Amateur career

High school career

Justin Smoak attended Stratford High School in Goose Creek, South Carolina, where he played baseball for four seasons under coach John Chaleus before graduating in 2005.[7] Smoak garnered significant recognition during his high school tenure, earning All-State honors on the South Carolina AAAA team in both 2004 and 2005. He was named the South Carolina AAAA Player of the Year in those same years and shared the 2005 Mr. Baseball award in the state with Reese Havens. Additionally, Smoak was selected as a 2005 High School All-American by the American Baseball Coaches Association, Baseball America, and Collegiate Baseball, and he participated in the prestigious High School All-American Baseball Game as one of only 36 players nationwide.[7] In his senior year of 2005, Smoak batted .558 with 18 home runs and 49 RBIs, serving as a pivotal contributor to the Stratford Knights' success. His performance helped lead the team to the South Carolina AAAA state championship that season.[7][8] Following high school, Smoak opted to attend the University of South Carolina despite being selected by the Oakland Athletics in the 16th round of the 2005 MLB Draft.[7]

Collegiate career

Justin Smoak enrolled at the University of South Carolina in 2006, where he played three seasons for the Gamecocks baseball team as a first baseman.[4] In his freshman year, he started all 66 games, batting .303 with 17 home runs and 63 RBIs, while also recording 18 doubles.[9] His performance earned him Freshman All-America honors from Baseball America and Collegiate Baseball, as well as a spot on the Southeastern Conference All-Freshman Team.[10] As a sophomore in 2007, Smoak continued his strong play, hitting .315 with 22 home runs and 72 RBIs over 66 starts, contributing to the team's postseason run.[9] He was named to the Third Team All-America by Baseball America and Second Team All-SEC, and he earned NCAA Columbia Regional MVP honors after going 3-for-4 with a home run in a key regional win.[7] During his junior season in 2008, Smoak led the team with a .383 batting average (90-for-235), 23 home runs, and 72 RBIs, including a three-home-run game with nine RBIs against USC Upstate.[11] He received consensus All-America recognition from multiple outlets, including ABCA, Baseball America, Collegiate Baseball, and NCBWA, along with First Team All-SEC honors, and was a semifinalist for the Golden Spikes Award.[11] Over his collegiate career, Smoak set University of South Carolina all-time records with 62 home runs, 207 RBIs, 151 walks, and 485 total bases, while starting all 195 games at first base.[4] His power hitting and plate discipline were instrumental in the Gamecocks' postseason successes, including regional championships in 2007 and 2008, and a Super Regional appearance in 2007 where the team advanced deep into the NCAA Tournament.[11]

Cape Cod Baseball League

During the summer of 2006, Justin Smoak played for the Cotuit Kettleers in the prestigious Cape Cod Baseball League (CCBL), a renowned amateur summer league known for its high level of competition and heavy presence of professional scouts. As a switch-hitting first baseman from the University of South Carolina, Smoak quickly established himself as a standout performer, contributing significantly to the Kettleers' success throughout the season.[12][13] Smoak's offensive prowess was evident in his league-leading statistics, where he batted .286 with a .382 on-base percentage and .565 slugging percentage over 39 games, recording 44 hits in 154 at-bats, including 10 doubles and 11 home runs, while driving in 27 runs. His power output, particularly the 11 home runs that topped the circuit, helped power the Kettleers to a 26-16-1 regular-season record and the West Division title, earning them the top playoff seed. For his exceptional contributions, Smoak was named the CCBL's Most Valuable Player, receiving the Pat Sorenti Award, and selected as a postseason All-Star at first base.[14][15] Smoak's performance in the CCBL provided crucial exposure to major league scouts, enhancing his profile as a top draft prospect and allowing him to refine his switch-hitting skills against elite collegiate pitching. In recognition of his impact on the league, Smoak was inducted into the CCBL Hall of Fame as part of the 2022 class, joining other notable alumni during a ceremony honoring his legacy with the Kettleers.[16][17][18]

Team USA

Smoak represented the United States as part of the USA Baseball Collegiate National Team during the summer of 2007, following his sophomore year at the University of South Carolina. He competed in the Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where Team USA secured a silver medal after falling to Cuba in the final. Although his performance in the Pan American Games was modest, batting .190 with limited power, Smoak contributed more effectively in the overall summer program, including the World Port Tournament in the Netherlands, posting a combined .223 batting average, a .380 slugging percentage, 10 doubles (leading the team), and 19 RBIs across international competitions.[14][7] His standout play that summer, building on success in the Cape Cod Baseball League as a stepping stone to international selection, elevated his profile as a top amateur prospect heading into the 2008 MLB Draft. Scouts highlighted Smoak's switch-hitting ability, power potential, and defensive skills at first base, contributing to his status as one of the premier college players available. This exposure with Team USA underscored his readiness for professional baseball, helping solidify his position as the 11th overall pick by the Texas Rangers.[14][19] In 2009, shortly after turning professional, Smoak earned another selection to the USA Baseball National Team for the IBAF Baseball World Cup held in Croatia. Batting primarily from the left side, he delivered a breakout performance, hitting .291 with 9 home runs—a Team USA record for the tournament—22 RBIs, and 16 runs scored over 14 games, while drawing 12 walks for a .397 on-base percentage and a 1.183 OPS. His power surge powered Team USA to a dominant 14-1 record and the gold medal, defeating Cuba in the championship game.[20][21][22] Smoak's tournament dominance earned him the Baseball World Cup MVP award, along with a spot on the All-Tournament Team at first base, and the IBAF Senior Athlete of the Year honor. This international success further cemented his reputation as a high-impact first baseman and rising prospect in the Rangers' system, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure on a global stage.[20][23]

Professional career

2008 MLB Draft

Justin Smoak was selected by the Texas Rangers with the 11th overall pick in the first round of the 2008 Major League Baseball Draft out of the University of South Carolina, where his power-hitting prowess as a switch-hitter had established him as one of the top college prospects.[2][24] He signed a minor league contract with the Rangers on August 15, 2008, receiving a $3.5 million signing bonus, below the recommended slot value of approximately $4.2 million for that draft position.[25][26] Upon signing, Smoak was assigned to the Rangers' Single-A affiliate, the Clinton LumberKings of the Midwest League, for a brief late-season stint. In 14 games, he batted .304 with 3 home runs and 6 RBIs, showcasing his professional potential despite the limited action.[27][28] Smoak's rapid ascent continued in 2009, his first full professional season, as he began at Double-A with the Frisco RoughRiders of the Texas League. There, he excelled with a .328 batting average, 6 home runs, and 29 RBIs over 50 games, earning a midseason promotion to Triple-A Oklahoma City RedHawks of the Pacific Coast League. At Oklahoma City, he hit .244 with 4 home runs and 23 RBIs in 54 games, adjusting to higher-level pitching. Across both levels, Smoak finished the year with a .284 average and 10 home runs in 104 games.[27][29] His strong minor league performance solidified Smoak's status as a premier prospect, ranking him 13th overall on Baseball America's Top 100 Prospects list entering 2010 and drawing early trade interest from contending teams seeking a power bat.[30][31]

Texas Rangers

Smoak made his Major League Baseball debut with the Texas Rangers on April 23, 2010, starting at first base in a home game against the Detroit Tigers at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. Batting sixth in the lineup, he went 0-for-2 with two walks in the Rangers' 6-2 loss, drawing praise for his plate discipline early in his big-league career.[32] Over the following weeks, he transitioned into the everyday first baseman role, replacing Chris Davis and providing solid defense with his left-handed glove work, which helped stabilize the infield during the Rangers' push toward the playoffs. In 70 games with Texas during the 2010 season, Smoak batted .209 (49-for-235) with a .316 on-base percentage, eight home runs, and 34 RBIs, while drawing 38 walks and striking out 57 times. His power potential was evident in key moments, such as his first career home run on April 29 against Chicago White Sox pitcher Gavin Floyd, but he struggled with consistency against major-league pitching, posting a .353 slugging percentage. Defensively, Smoak committed just six errors at first base, contributing to the Rangers' strong infield unit that supported their American League West title run.[2] On July 9, 2010, the Rangers traded Smoak, along with prospects Blake Beavan, Josh Lueke, and Matt Lawson, to the Seattle Mariners in exchange for starting pitcher Cliff Lee and reliever Mark Lowe, bolstering Texas's rotation for the postseason. The deal marked the end of Smoak's brief tenure with the organization where he had been the 11th overall pick in the 2008 MLB Draft.[33]

Seattle Mariners

On July 9, 2010, the Seattle Mariners acquired Justin Smoak from the Texas Rangers as the centerpiece of a trade that sent pitcher Cliff Lee and reliever Mark Lowe to Texas in exchange for Smoak, prospects Blake Beavan, Josh Lueke, and catcher Matt Lawson.[25] Smoak, a highly touted first-base prospect, was immediately inserted into the Mariners' starting lineup at first base, debuting with the team the following day. In his partial 2010 season with Seattle, he appeared in 30 games, batting .239 with 5 home runs and 14 RBIs while striking out 34 times in 113 at-bats.[2] Over the next four full seasons from 2011 to 2014, Smoak established himself as the Mariners' primary first baseman, playing in 466 games and posting a .227 batting average with 61 home runs and 186 RBIs. His performance peaked in 2013, when he set a career high with 20 home runs in 131 games, alongside a .238 average and 50 RBIs, demonstrating improved power at the plate despite ongoing challenges. However, Smoak struggled consistently with a high strikeout rate, exceeding 100 strikeouts in three of those seasons, including 119 in 2013, which limited his overall offensive consistency. Injuries also hampered his availability, notably a strained left quadriceps in June 2014 that landed him on the 15-day disabled list and restricted him to just 80 games that year, during which he batted .202 with 7 home runs.[2][34] In total during his primary tenure with the Mariners from 2010 to 2014, Smoak appeared in 496 games, compiling a .226 batting average, 66 home runs, and 200 RBIs over 1,725 at-bats, while accumulating 435 strikeouts. His tenure ended on October 28, 2014, when the Toronto Blue Jays claimed him off waivers, marking the conclusion of his extended development period in Seattle.[2][35]

Toronto Blue Jays

On October 28, 2014, the Toronto Blue Jays claimed Justin Smoak off waivers from the Seattle Mariners, acquiring the switch-hitting first baseman to bolster their lineup depth.[4] Smoak quickly transitioned into a full-time starter at first base upon joining the team in 2015, where he solidified his role as the everyday player at the position over the next five seasons, providing steady defense and emerging power at the plate.[2] Smoak's tenure with Toronto peaked in 2017, when he enjoyed a breakout campaign that marked a significant resurgence in his career. Batting .270 with 38 home runs and 90 RBIs across 158 games, he set personal bests in several offensive categories and earned his first All-Star selection as a reserve for the American League team.[2] This power surge contributed to the Blue Jays' competitive 2017 season, with Smoak ranking among the league leaders in home runs at the time and helping anchor the middle of the order. Over his full stint from 2015 to 2019, Smoak appeared in 684 games for Toronto, compiling a .237 batting average and 117 home runs while driving in 355 runs, establishing himself as a reliable contributor during the team's playoff-contending years.[2] Smoak also participated in the postseason during Toronto's back-to-back American League Championship Series appearances in 2015 and 2016, providing depth at first base despite limited playing time; he went hitless in three total at-bats across both series as the Blue Jays advanced to the ALCS each year. https://www.baseball-reference.com/postseason/2016-TOR.shtml Following a down year in 2019, where injuries limited him to 121 games and a .208 average with 22 home runs, the Blue Jays opted not to renew his contract, granting him free agency on October 31, 2019.[4]

Milwaukee Brewers

Following his departure from the Toronto Blue Jays as a free agent, Justin Smoak signed a one-year, $5 million contract with the Milwaukee Brewers on December 20, 2019, which included a club option for 2021 worth $5.5 million.[36][37] Smoak's tenure with the Brewers occurred during the 2020 Major League Baseball season, which was shortened to 60 games due to the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in widespread disruptions including delayed start and health protocols. In 33 games, he batted .186 with a .262 on-base percentage and .381 slugging percentage, recording 21 hits including five doubles and five home runs while driving in 15 runs.[2] His performance was hampered by a prolonged slump, with a .186 average reflecting limited offensive contributions amid the abbreviated schedule and team adjustments at first base.[38] On September 3, 2020, the Brewers designated Smoak for assignment to make room on the roster, and he was outright released two days later on September 6, prior to the regular season's conclusion.[39][4]

San Francisco Giants

Following his release from the Milwaukee Brewers on September 6, 2020, which made him a free agent, Justin Smoak signed a minor league contract with the San Francisco Giants on September 9, 2020, that included an invitation to 2021 spring training.[37][40] Smoak was immediately added to the Giants' 28-man player pool for the remainder of the 2020 season and assigned to their alternate training site in Sacramento, California, where he participated in intrasquad workouts but did not appear in official minor league games.[41][4] The Giants selected Smoak's contract from the alternate site on September 10, 2020, adding him to their active major league roster as a potential left-handed bat off the bench.[40] In his brief time with San Francisco, he appeared in three games, recording 0 hits in 6 at-bats along with one walk and three strikeouts, primarily serving as a late-inning defensive replacement at first base.[2][4] On September 21, 2020, the Giants designated Smoak for assignment to clear a roster spot, and he was outrighted to the minor leagues before electing free agency and being released unconditionally two days later on September 22, 2020, allowing him to pursue playing opportunities abroad.[42][37]

Yomiuri Giants

Following his release from the San Francisco Giants in September 2020, Smoak signed a one-year contract with the Yomiuri Giants of Nippon Professional Baseball's Central League on January 7, 2021, reportedly worth $6 million plus incentives.[43][44] Smoak adapted effectively to the nuances of Japanese baseball, including the Central League's emphasis on small ball tactics, precise fielding, and varied pitching approaches that differ from Major League Baseball. In 34 games during the 2021 season, he batted .272 with 7 home runs and 14 RBIs, posting an on-base percentage of .336 and a slugging percentage of .482 for an OPS of .818, which showcased his power potential in Tokyo Dome's hitter-friendly confines.[29][45][46] Smoak's stint ended prematurely when he departed the team in June 2021, citing family reasons amid the challenges of playing overseas without his loved ones due to travel restrictions. His overall NPB statistics marked the international finale of his professional career, concluding with a solid but abbreviated contribution to the Giants' lineup.[47][48][29]

Personal life and retirement

Personal life

Justin Smoak was born on December 5, 1986, in Goose Creek, South Carolina.[2] In November 2010, Smoak married his high school sweetheart, Kristin Bevacqua, in a ceremony at Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Charleston, South Carolina.[49] The couple has two daughters: Sutton Anne, born in September 2014, and Berkleigh Grace, born on May 3, 2018.[50][51] Smoak's father, Keith Smoak, died of lung cancer on April 19, 2011, at the age of 57, after a battle that began with a diagnosis in May 2010; the loss deeply affected Smoak, who had shared a close bond with his father, who coached him in baseball from a young age and served as a key confidant during his early professional career.[52][53][54] In 2021, family considerations prompted Smoak to leave the Yomiuri Giants early and return home to his wife and daughters in South Carolina.[5]

Retirement

Following his departure from the Yomiuri Giants in June 2021, Justin Smoak did not sign any further professional baseball contracts, effectively marking his retirement from the sport.[5] His decision to leave the team midway through the season was influenced by family priorities, as pandemic-related travel restrictions prevented his wife and children from joining him in Japan.[5] Across his 11-season MLB career with the Texas Rangers, Seattle Mariners, Toronto Blue Jays, Milwaukee Brewers, and San Francisco Giants, Smoak appeared in 1,286 games, posting a .229 batting average with 196 home runs and 570 RBIs.[2] In his brief stint with the Yomiuri Giants of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), he played 37 games, batting .272 with 7 home runs.[27] Reflecting on his career, he has cited his 2017 American League All-Star selection—his only such honor, earned after hitting 20 home runs before the break—as a particularly gratifying highlight that validated years of perseverance.[55]

References

  1. Justin Smoak Stats, Age, Position, Height, Weight, Fantasy & News
  2. Justin Smoak Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Rookie Status & More
  3. Justin Smoak Career Stats - MLB - ESPN
  4. Justin Smoak Stats, Age, Position, Height, Weight, Fantasy & News
  5. Former Blue Jays Justin Smoak returns from Japan - Sports Illustrated
  6. Justin Smoak Returns From NPB - MLB Trade Rumors
  7. Justin Smoak - University of South Carolina Athletics
  8. https://www.thestate.com/sports/college/university-of-south-carolina/usc-baseball/article160696284.html
  9. Justin Smoak College Stats - Baseball Almanac
  10. Smoak Named To Baseball America Freshman All-American Team
  11. Justin Smoak Earns Consensus All-America Honors – University of ...
  12. Award & Records | Cape Cod Baseball League
  13. Smoak Earns Cape Cod League MVP Honors – University of South ...
  14. Justin Smoak - BR Bullpen - Baseball-Reference.com
  15. 2006 Cotuit Kettleers - Summer League Statistics - The Baseball Cube
  16. 2022 Hall of Fame Class | Cape Cod Baseball League
  17. Six new inductees enter Cape Cod Baseball League Hall of Fame
  18. Cape League Hall of Fame Spotlight: Justin Smoak
  19. Former Gamecock Justin Smoak To Play For Team USA At 2009 ...
  20. Former Gamecock Justin Smoak Recognized As USA Baseball's ...
  21. Former Gamecock Justin Smoak Earns MVP Honors As Team USA ...
  22. 2009 Baseball World Cup - BR Bullpen
  23. Awards and Honors | USA Baseball
  24. Justin Smoak Stats & Scouting Report - Baseball America
  25. Justin Smoak Trades and Transactions - Baseball Almanac
  26. Seattle Mariners - TeamReport | Reuters
  27. Justin Smoak Minor, Fall & Japanese Leagues Statistics
  28. Smoak on the Water: first-rounder Joins Kings | MiLB.com
  29. Justin Smoak - Intl, MLB, Minor League, College Baseball Statistics
  30. 2009 Baseball America - MLB Prospect Rankings
  31. When Should Rangers Call Up Smoak? - MLB Trade Rumors
  32. Detroit Tigers vs Texas Rangers Box Score: April 23, 2010 | Baseball-Reference.com
  33. Rangers Acquire Cliff Lee For Smoak, Prospects - MLB Trade Rumors
  34. Smoak to DL; Morrison recalled from Triple-A | MLB.com
  35. Blue Jays Claim Justin Smoak - MLB Trade Rumors
  36. Justin Smoak, Eric Sogard sign with Brewers - MLB.com
  37. Justin Smoak | MLB Contracts & Salaries - Spotrac.com
  38. Justin Smoak - San Francisco Giants First Baseman - ESPN
  39. Brewers release Justin Smoak after designating him for assignment
  40. Giants Sign Justin Smoak - MLB Trade Rumors
  41. Giants sign Smoak to minor league deal for rest of 2020
  42. Giants Release Justin Smoak - MLB Trade Rumors
  43. 1B Justin Smoak signs with Tokyo's Yomiuri Giants - ESPN
  44. Justin Smoak To Sign With Yomiuri Giants - MLB Trade Rumors
  45. Former Blue Jay Justin Smoak is Raking in Japan - Sports Illustrated
  46. Blue Jays: Former fan favourite excelling in Japan this year
  47. Justin Smoak's departure puts family issues in spotlight in NPB
  48. Justin Smoak's 'love of family' brings his Japan baseball season to ...
  49. Preview from Justin Smoak and Kristin Bevacqua's Wedding!
  50. Justin Smoak steps away to attend the birth of his child - CBS Sports
  51. Justin Smoak returns after daughter's birth - MLB.com
  52. Keith Smoak Obituary April 19, 2011 - J Henry Stuhr
  53. Justin Smoak faces big adjustment with death of his confidant father
  54. Father, son shared love for baseball - Post and Courier
  55. How Toronto Blue Jays' Justin Smoak went from also-ran to all-star
  56. Unremarkable with the Mariners, Justin Smoak is now an All-Star ...
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