Originally published by DodgerBlue.com
Will Smith has been one of the best catchers in Major League Baseball since making his debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2019.
The 28-year-old was selected to his first All-Star team in 2023, and he played a pivotal role in the Dodgers winning the 2020 World Series.
Even with the club’s star-studded lineup, Smith established himself as a middle-of-the-order presence, batting third in 119 games in 2023, and opening the 2024 season in the fourth spot.
Smith was setting himself up to become one of the top free agents following the 2025 season, but that is no longer the case. According to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, the Dodgers and Smith have agreed to a 10-year contract extension worth $140 million:
Will Smith and the Dodgers are finalizing a 10-year, $140 million extension, sources tell me and @juanctoribio. The deal includes some deferred money.
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) March 27, 2024
Earlier in the offseason, Smith avoided arbitration by signing a one-year, $8.55 million contract with the club. It represented the richest deal for a catcher going into their second year of arbitration in MLB history.
He had one year of arbitration remaining before potentially becoming a free agent.
The deal seems to have come together quickly as the Dodgers and Smith did not have any discussions for a contract extension in the offseason.
Smith is coming off an All-Star season that saw him hit .261/.359/.438 with 21 doubles, 19 home runs and 76 RBI. He has played in at least 125 games for three consecutive seasons, and was one of nine catchers to play in that many games.
During the 2023 National League Division Series, Smith went 5-for-12 with a double, triple and two RBI in three games against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
The Dodgers now have another key piece of their franchise locked up for the long haul, and the backstop should finish his career wearing Dodger blue.
Will Smith and the Dodgers moving forward
Will Smith will presumably be the Dodgers’ catcher for at least the next few seasons, but as is often the case with backstops who sign long-term deals, he may eventually move off the position.
Smith could be the Dodgers’ long-term answer at third base if they decide to make a position change, or possibly left field as well. Buster Posey and Joe Mauer are other notable catchers to sign long term deals and eventually move to first base.
Smith turns 29-years-old on Thursday, Mar. 28, when the Dodgers begin their season at home, so it seems unlikely he will be behind the dish into his late 30s.
The Dodgers also have a deep pool of catchers in their organization, most notably with Dalton Rushing, the organization’s top prospect.
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