Los Angeles Dodgers All-Star catcher Will Smith made L.A.’s goal for the 2026 season clear: They want a three-peat.
The Dodgers have won the last two World Series, and are currently chasing the first three-peat in the franchise’s history.
“It’s obviously the goal this year, is to win a World Series,” Smith said on MLB Network’s Hot Stove. “That’s out goal every year with the Dodgers.”
L.A. has built a winning culture with their dominance over the past several seasons, and don’t look to be slowing down any time soon. They’ve made two huge offseason signings, All-Stars Edwin Diaz and Kyle Tucker, in the pursuit of defending their title, and have also retained several of the pieces which contributed to their World Series win.
How Does Will Smith Contribute to the Dodgers?
Smith came up through the Dodgers’ organization after they drafted him in 2016, and has become one of the best catchers in MLB since his debut in 2019.
He has made each of the last three All-Star Games, and earned MVP votes for the first time in his career in 2025.
Last season, Smith hit 17 home runs and drove in 61 RBIs, batting a career-high .296 — which would have placed him third in the batting title race if he qualified. He had a .901 OPS, which was his highest since 2020. He’s stayed relatively healthy since breaking out, playing 100 or more games in every season since 2021.
What Are the Dodgers’ Chances at Winning the World Series?
Having dominated both their division and the postseason in the last two seasons, the Dodgers are a clear choice as the favorite for the upcoming year.
An ESPN projection gave the Dodgers a 22.4 percent chance to win the World Series once again, which was the highest projection of any other team in their model.
Tucker and Diaz are obviously huge additions for their team, but with returning players like Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, Mookie Betts, Max Muncy and Smith, the Dodgers are in a fantastic spot to continue their winning streak.
They’ll look to get off on the right foot in their first spring training game, which comes against the Los Angeles Angels Saturday, Feb. 21.
3 Responses
There should be a concern about the drop off of the aging players on the team. I think fans and sportswriters are overlooking or downplaying that.
The Dodgers just added the top free agent and one of the best players at his position in Kyle Tucker. Even if Tucker has another season like he did in 2025 with well below career average production, the Dodgers are significantly better both offensively and defensively.
Not to mention the team added one of the best relievers in the league with Diaz. The pitching staff as a hole should also be better because of guys like Evan Phillips, Graterol & River Ryan coming back from injury.
Sasaki, Sheehan, Wrobleski, Casparius, Dreyer, Henriquez, etc. should benefit from the MLB experience.
The Dodgers also continue to boast one of the deepest and most talented farm systems in all of baseball.
I could definitely go on…
Other than those reasons, sports writers and fans are “downplaying” the Dodgers aging roster because they are talented enough to withstand some decline in production. I think the FO believes the talent and experience of the players on the team come October. And honestly why shouldn’t they? Why shouldn’t everyone at this point?
Yeah, the players are a key factor in it all, but I think most important is the chemistry that these guys have together especially with a solid, energetic dude like Enrique!!! He’s a good leader!! Different, but we’re all different,with our own special skills towards people, and his fits very well with the Dodger Family!! Sure do miss Vin!! And Tommy!!