This article was first featured in our Texas Rangers newsletter, The Dirt By Evan Grant. If you want to receive that newsletter along with additional Rangers updates directly to your email, you can subscribe here.

Prior to the start of the season, an analyst ranked the Rangers’ 26-man opening day lineup from 1 to 26 based on their significance to the team’s objectives.

In the myriad events of April, Smith’s performance stands out as one of the most pleasant surprises for the Rangers. With a batting average of .191 and an OPS of .592 at the outset of the season, Smith wasn’t initially in the spotlight. However, when Josh Jung suffered a fractured wrist, Smith seized the opportunity and hasn’t looked back since.

As the first month of the season draws to a close, he boasts an impressive slash line of .302/.402/.456/.858. Remarkably, he ranks second on the Rangers in WAR with 1.2, a stark contrast to his combined 1.1 WAR over his first two seasons. Additionally, his flawless defense, splitting time between third base and shortstop, has earned him credit for three runs saved. Undoubtedly, Smith’s performance has been extraordinary by any measure, a testament to his dedication and hard work.

Following the previous season, Smith ended a winter ball commitment prematurely due to irregular playing time. Upon returning to Arlington, he immediately embarked on refining his batting approach.

One notable adjustment was moving away from the plate by a significant distance, approximately three to four inches or more. His primary goal was to rediscover the hitting style that initially caught the Rangers’ attention prior to the Joey Gallo trade.

This involved regaining the ability to hit the ball to all areas of the field and, crucially, increasing his contact rate. These efforts have yielded significant dividends for Smith.