Originally published by DodgerBlue.com
Will Smith has become a household name in the Los Angeles Dodgers clubhouse and around the league, becoming a regular on The Shredder rankings of the Top-10 Catchers Right now.
The eighth-year backstop was ranked by MLB Network as the third-best catcher heading into the 2026 season, marking his sixth consecutive year in the top three.
Smith was ranked at No. 2 on this list for the 2023 and 2024 seasons, but has yet to occupy the top spot. That honor went to reigning American League MVP runner-up Cal Raleigh this year, and he was followed by Milwaukee Brewers catcher William Contreras.
Smith is coming off the best season of his career, and the Dodgers are hoping for more of the same in 2026. The right-hander was one of the best and most consistent bats in the entire league throughout the year, hitting .296/.404/.497 with 20 doubles and 17 home runs.
His 153 wRC+ would have been the fifth-highest in the Majors last season if he qualified, but he missed most of September with a hairline fracture in his right hand.
Smith projects to produce another impactful season on the field this year, but he also provides value in the clubhouse by leading the pitching staff, and taking a veteran role, such as showing Dalton Rushing the ropes in his sophomore season.
On almost any other team, Rushing would’ve had the opportunity to earn the starting job behind the plate last season. He is, instead, a luxury the Dodgers can afford from a roster-building perspective.
Rushing did not put together the type of season expected of a top prospect, as he struggled to find any rhythm at the plate with the sporadic playing time he received as the backup catcher.
Smith has taken Rushing under his wing this season, taking the time to offer lessons on both hitting and the Dodgers’ way.
The young Dodgers catcher feels prepared to face the challenge not being able to play everyday head-on, with the experience of last season, preseason preparation and guidance from Smith under his belt.
As for Smith, he will bat in the middle of the the lineup this season. He wasn’t tied down to one spot last season, batting anywhere from the second to sixth spot.
MLB Top-10 Catchers Right Now for 2026
| Rank | The Shredder | Alex Avila |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cal Raleigh (Mariners) | Cal Raleigh (Mariners) |
| 2 | William Contreras (Brewers) | Will Smith (Dodgers) |
| 3 | Will Smith (Dodgers) | William Contreras (Brewers) |
| 4 | Drake Baldwin (Braves) | J.T. Realmuto (Phillies) |
| 5 | Alejandro Kirk (Blue Jays) | Alejandro Kirk (Blue Jays) |
| 6 | Gabriel Moreno (Diamondbacks) | Shea Langeliers (Athletics) |
| 7 | Yainer Diaz (Astros) | Dillon Dingler (Tigers) |
| 8 | Sean Murphy (Braves) | Hunter Goodman (Rockies) |
| 9 | Iván Herrera (Cardinals) | Yainer Diaz (Astros) |
| 10 | Shea Langeliers (Athletics) | Drake Baldwin (Braves) |
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