ARLINGTON — The discussion about Josh Smith’s place in the baseball world is over. The man can swing the bat, and he’s doing it with impressive strength.
Throughout the 2024 season, this Texas Rangers infielder has been showcasing his batting prowess on a near-daily basis, raising the possibility of his inclusion in the American League All-Star team roster.
Based on performance alone, Rangers’ manager Bruce Bochy believes Smith has more than made his case for All-Star selection.
“If you’re looking at the impact and numbers, it’s clear [he’s an All-Star],” stated Bochy, who is set to lead the AL team in the upcoming All-Star Game scheduled for July 16 at Globe Life Field.
Smith continued his hot streak by hitting homers in back-to-back games — making it three in the last five games — contributing significantly to the Rangers’ 4-0 series sweep against the Kansas City Royals on Sunday. Initially stepping up during the seasons’ early months to fill in for the injured Josh Jung and to provide shortstop Corey Seager with necessary rest, Smith’s performance was solid. However, entering June, his game has risen to an entirely new level.
A tweet by Stefan Stevenson (@StefanVersusTex) on June 23, 2024, highlighted Smith’s remarkable contributions, sparking All-Star conversations.
With a batting average of .375, a .661 slugging percentage, and an outstanding 1.105 on-base plus slugging percentage for the month, Smith has been phenomenal. Over 18 games in June, he’s recorded four doubles, four home runs, and nine RBIs.
His four home runs this month set a personal record for homers in a single month and surpassed his entire season high of six homers in 2023. Currently, his 1.105 OPS is the highest monthly performance by a Rangers player (with at least 50 at-bats) since Seager’s 1.129 OPS last July.
Seager himself, a veteran All-Star, praised Smith’s formidable season and acknowledged his crucial role in the team’s success.
“The year he’s having is just phenomenal,” Seager remarked. “He’s been central to our achievements. His performance absolutely warrants an All-Star spot.”
Looking back at Smith’s career, this season represents a significant breakthrough. Before 2024, Smith had accrued 31 RBIs across 163 games.
This year, he matched his career total in RBI by his 73rd game. His recent hit streak includes five extra-base hits, underlining his improved batting .303 average and a .391 on-base percentage, ranking him among the AL’s top players.
An All-Star selection would serve as a major milestone for Smith, who had previously been limited to a reserve role behind star players like Seager and Jung.
“The thought has crossed my mind, but it’s not my main focus,” Smith commented. “Priority is on playing well as a team and securing wins.”
With Josh Jung expected to return from a wrist injury, discussions about Smith’s playing time have been absent, but Smith remains optimistic about the team dynamics.
“We’re excited to have him back,” Smith asserted. “We’ll address the playing time situation when it comes and ensure it works out for everyone.”
Given Jung’s gradual return to full play, it’s anticipated that Smith will continue to find opportunities, either as a designated hitter or potentially moving to the outfield, to keep his explosive bat in the lineup.
