Dodgers GM, President of Baseball Operations Open Up About Will Smith Extension
One day prior to their first home game of 2024, the Los Angeles Dodgers continued their incredible spending spree. The team agreed to a 10-year, $140 million contract extension with catcher Will Smith, keeping him with the team for the long haul.
Smith was eligible to enter free agency after the 2025 season, but Los Angeles wanted no part of that. This was a move to signal that Smith is part of the team’s long-term plans as they look to maximize their championship window.
Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes opened up about the extension and the motivation behind getting it done now.
“It’s incredibly rare to find the package of talent, makeup, leadership quality and I think all of those things Will possesses is why we feel good about this deal and it’s something we’ve been pursuing for awhile. It’s just not common (among catchers). You look across the league – elite defensive catchers that also bring an offensive side at the top of the game as well then you look at the nuisances that he brings as well, leading a pitching staff is all what made us feel really good about pursuing this and luckily, ultimately finalizing it.”
— Brandon Gomes via the Orange County Register
Since his debut in 2019, Smith has become one of the better catchers in baseball. He has continued to improve each season and the Dodgers felt comfortable rewarding him with a massive extension.
With an average annual value of $14 million, this contract should be seen as a steal for the Dodgers. There is some deferred money in the deal, which totals around $44.8 million, according to The Athletic’s Fabian Ardaya. Smith is also owed a $30 million signing bonus, which will be paid off within the first two seasons.
Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman revealed that the organization’s familiarity with Smith made it easier for them to invest so heavily in him.
“There are a lot of different levers in a contract from the dollars and payment schedules and number of years and all of those things that are conversation topics within it. And obviously making a bet of this nature, we felt even more comfortable being that we’ve seen him since he was drafted. We know the work ethic. We know the character. There’s so many things that we don’t have to rely about second- or third-hand information. We know Will and (his wife) Cara really well and know that no matter how things play out in the future that they are going to fit in incredibly well and be a huge part of our culture and us continuing to build on our success. All of those things are topics in a negotiation and this is just kind of where it all landed.”
— Andrew Friedman via the Orange County Register
Smith is likely a Dodger for the rest of his playing career. He’s become a fan favorite during his tenure, and the hope is that he can help the organization bring home another World Series title.
Photo Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
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