December 9, 2016
Smoral was selected by the Rangers in the Triple-A phase of the Rule 5 draft Thursday.
ANALYSIS
The 2012 first-round draft pick has been riddled with injuries since signing with Toronto, producing just one season so far with more than 30 innings pitched (2014). Even when he was healthy last season, the results weren't pretty, as he posted a 13.15 ERA in 13 innings over 11 appearances with Low-A Vancouver. Although the 22-year-old has proven to be effective at missing bats and generating strikeouts, he has struggled mightily with his control, as evidenced by his incredible 11.08 BB/9 last season. Smoral continues to showcase potential, but he will need to stay healthy and hone his command in order to advance through the Rangers' farm system to the majors.