What happened: The Athletics announced Smith as president of baseball operations on Oct. 19. The move formalizes a search that previously pegged Smith as frontrunner for the general manager job. The announcement landed with the club in the middle of its ALCS run.

Why it matters: The role puts Smith atop baseball decisions entering the offseason. Stability at the top matters with roster decisions due after a pennant-chase October. The hire settles weeks of front-office speculation around the club.

What to watch: Smith's first staffing decisions and winter roster moves come next. The club's GM structure under him remains to be clarified.