Will Smith Says He Hasn’t Talked Extension With Dodgers, Loves Being in LA
Will Smith is coming off the first All-Star campaign of his career with the Dodgers in 2023. Despite struggling with multiple nagging injuries, including a concussion, broken rib and oblique issue, Smith appeared in 126 games and slashed .261/.359/.438 with 19 home runs, 76 RBIs and an impressive 63 walks to just 89 strikeouts.
He also improved measurably as a game-caller, and told Dodgers Nation on Wednesday how important it was for him to hone in on that part of his game.
“That just kind of comes with time and doing it and experience,” Smith said. “But yeah, it’s super important. It’s my job to set the pitchers up for success. I come prepared every game, know what the hitters can do, not do, and just kind of piece it together. It’s a big, important part that I play, and it’s super important to me.”
That said, Smith, one of the Dodgers’ best homegrown stars, has just two more years of team control remaining. After the 2025 season, he’s set to hit free agency.
While Smith has emerged as one of the best catchers in baseball, the Dodgers also have a plethora of young catchers rising the minor league ranks: top prospects Dalton Rushing, Diego Cartaya and Thayron Liranzo.
What does that mean for Smith’s future in Los Angeles?
“I just focus on the day-to-day. That’s just my personality when it comes to about anything,” Smith said. “Just kind of live in the present. So, yeah, I’m not looking too far ahead at all.”
He did make one thing clear, though: “I love it here.”
With the end of his rookie deal nearing, have he and the Dodgers had any conversations regarding a potential extension?
“No,” Smith said.
Smith turns 29 at the end of March and has continued to improve in each of his first five seasons in the big leagues.
At a position where offense is almost secondary, Smith has been a premium bat in a premier spot in the lineup. An extension with Smith has made sense for multiple years. For now, the Dodgers have elected not to open negotiations.
Smith and the Dodgers agreed to an $8.55 million deal to avoid arbitration on Jan. 11. Next year will be his final year of arbitration and, perhaps, his final year in Los Angeles.
Photo Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports
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