AL Central: Control issues lingering for Smith
Jul 23 2026
Following a surprisingly good rookie season that ended on a strong note (3.86 xERA, 17% K-BB%, 12.8% SwK in the second half of 2025), Shane Smith looked like a potential breakout candidate coming into 2026. Now, after a nightmarish three starts that earned him a demotion to Triple-A and a lengthy injury while there, he just looks broken.
His brief time with the White Sox this year was marred by some serious control problems (18% BB%, 38% Ball%, 51% FpK) that led to a 10.80 ERA and 2.52 WHIP over three starts. That wasn't an issue for him in 2025, as he posted a 9% BB% with similarly league-average sub-indicators (36% Ball%, 59% FpK), nor was it a problem during his years in the minors prior to last season. But the walks...
Almost!
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