Chris Smith

Christopher Patrick Smith (born August 19, 1988) is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Toronto Blue Jays in 2017.

High school and college Smith attended Butler Traditional High School in Louisville, Kentucky and played college baseball at Kentucky Wesleyan College, where he was a second baseman and pitcher. He holds the record for games started with the Panthers at 187, as well as saves with eight. Smith majored in fitness and sports management.

Professional career Frontier League/Pecos League Unchosen in the Major League draft, Smith was selected in the first round of the independent Frontier League's draft by the Lake Erie Crushers. In 2014, he was assigned to their Class-A affiliate, the Charleston RiverDogs. He was later promoted to the Advanced-A Tampa Yankees, and in 32 total relief appearances, posted a 1–2 record, 2.98 ERA, and 49 strikeouts in 51 innings. He recorded a stellar campaign, making 47 appearances and posting a 1–3 record, 1.93 ERA, 76 strikeouts, and 15 saves in 60 innings. however, he didn't make an appearance for the team. After Jason Grilli was designated for assignment on June 27, 2017, Smith was recalled by the Blue Jays. On August 12, Smith was designated for assignment. On November 7, 2017, Smith elected free agency.

Washington Nationals On December 21, 2017, Smith signed a minor league contract with the Washington Nationals. He was assigned to the Triple-A Syracuse Chiefs, where he posted a 4–5 record and 3.93 ERA in 49 appearances. Smith elected free agency following the season on November 2, 2018.

Detroit Tigers On December 13, 2018, Smith signed a minor league contract with the Detroit Tigers organization. Early in spring training, Smith suffered a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow, which required Tommy John surgery. Smith was released by the Tigers on March 5, 2019, after the season ending injury. Smith re-signed with the Tigers on a minor league deal on February 7, 2020. Smith did not play in a game in 2020 due to the cancellation of the minor league season because of the COVID-19 pandemic. He was released by the Tigers organization on July 3, 2020.

On June 27, 2021, Smith announced his retirement from professional baseball via Twitter.