This article continues in a series focusing on the most underrated players at each position based on batter run value. The links to the first two articles in the series are linked below. The first article in the series includes a brief introduction to the topic.

Introduction, Catcher, and First Base

Second Base and Shortstop

Josh Smith: 9 Batter Run-Value, 0.7 RV/100

The analysis of the batter run value of the third base position in 2024 revealed an intriguing scarcity. Traditionally, third base is viewed as a power-hitting corner infield position in baseball’s history. This perception led to the expectation of numerous options for the most underrated player for the position. However, the reality was different. Players with high batter run values at third base were surprisingly scarce, making Josh Smith’s performance all the more remarkable.

The chart above displays the number of players at each position with a batter run value greater than twenty who played that position last season (a reminder that for this analysis, we will look at all outfielders due to more interchangeability at the position, but we will choose at least one player who predominantly played center field). Unsurprisingly, outfielders led the way due to the number of players in the data pool and the corner outfield spots often containing some of the league’s leading hitters. Catchers were tied for the lowest amount due to the playing constraints at such a taxing position. Second basemen also came in on the low end, a position often considered glove-first. However, the third base position tied for the fewest players with more than 20 batter run value, with Jose Ramirez amassing a 35 batter run value in 2024.

 This analysis made me look deeper into the pool of players to find a lesser-known player with a surprisingly high value compared to expectations. Baltimore Orioles third baseman Jordan Westburg and Mark Vientos of the New York Mets put up top-ten batter run values in that position. However, they were both considered top prospects. Despite their productive seasons, both were seen as top prospects with notoriety and are seen as budding baseball stars. The name that came up, a virtually unknown player that produced well beyond expectations, was Josh Smith of the Texas Rangers.

The Rangers’ victory in the 2023 World Series, after sneaking into the playoffs as the second wild card team, was a testament to the unpredictability of baseball. Their unexpected triumph over the National League pennant-winning Arizona Diamondbacks in five games marked their first world championship, inspiring fans and players alike.

The Rangers were riding high heading into the 2024 season. However, injuries and underperformances from some of the key pieces in their World Series run led to the team finishing three games below .500 and in third place in the American League West. Focusing on the bright spots after such a disappointing season can be challenging. However, Josh Smith stood out as a player who came out of nowhere to be one of the team’s most valuable position players in 2024. Smith was drafted in the second round of the 2019 draft by the New York Yankees. He was traded to the Texas Rangers as part of the trade that brought Joey Gallo to the Yankees in 2021. Smith made his Major League debut in 2022 and spent his time through the Rangers World Series season as a utility man filling in at second base, third base, shortstop, and left field.

Finding regular playing time in the Rangers infield during 2022 and 2023 was difficult. The team signed shortstop Corey Seager and second baseman Marcus Semien to long-term deals in 2022. Further, the Rangers were grooming top prospect Josh Jung to take over at third base in 2022.   Smith embraced a utility role in the big leagues. His versatility defensively was his greatest strength. Unfortunately, his offensive output was a weakness during this time, as he hit below the Mendoza Line[1]In each of his first two seasons

Smith broke spring training with the major league roster in 2024 despite the offensive output from the previous seasons. There was still a logjam in the Rangers infield with Seager, Semien, and Jung returning. However, Smith got to play every day when Josh Jung hit the injured list with a broken wrist in April. Smith made the most of his chance, putting up a .258/.337/.394 slash line with a 110 OPS+ (meaning his offensive output was comparably 10% better than the average MLB player)[2]. Further, Smith’s 3.2 WAR for the 2024 season ranked fifth on the Rangers and fourth among position players. In this statistic, he only trailed the aforementioned middle infield dynamic duo of Seager and Semien and 2023 number four overall pick and super prospect rookie Wyatt Langford.

Josh Smith’s value to the team was unique. His versatility in multiple positions allowed him to fill the void at third base due to injury and stay in the lineup when Jung returned. Smith’s playing style may not be flashy, but it is effective. His ability to select pitches and make solid contact with them is a skill that sets him apart.

[1], a term used to describe a batting average of .200, Named after light-hitting shortstop Mario Mendoza.

[2]  In this order, a slash line shows a player’s batting average, on-base percentage, and slugging percentage (total bases divided by at-bats). These statistics are useful as they are widely used by fans, media, and teams to compare players.

The chart above shows Smith’s batter run value compared to the MLB average in each zone location. For reference, the heart refers to pitches in the zone that are not in the shadow area. Shadow refers to pitches within one ball’s length of the edge of the zone (both inside and outside of the zone). The chase zone represents pitchers further outside, where pitchers throw to induce the batters to swing outside the zone. The waste zone is pitched even further outside the zone (i.e., in the dirt or other batter box).

Smith surpasses the MLB average in heart, chase, and waste zone pitches while performing below league average in the shadow zone. The takeaway from this run value by zone is that well-located pitches can beat Smith. However, his performance in the other three zones indicates that he is selective and does not chase pitches outside the zone while doing his damage on pitches in easier locations to handle. This approach and consistency from Smith allowed him to maximize his potential and win the utility American League Silver Slugger at the utility position.

How can a player be underrated if they win the award for the best hitter at their position (the utility position was added as a position for the Gold Glove and Silver Slugger awards in 2022)? This is a fair question, as Smith received postseason award recognition for his 2024 performance. However, a counter to that question is how many silver slugger winners are not slated to be everyday starters for their team in the following season? The Fangraphs roster resource page projects MLB team rosters. The Texas Rangers page currently has Smith as a bench player for the 2025 team. His versatility and ability to spell players at multiple positions will allow him to spell players requiring off days to keep them fresh. It will also allow him to fill in for any potential injuries. However, he deserves recognition for being more than a utility fill-in piece after his performance in 2024.