Will Smith is coming off the primary All-Star marketing campaign of his profession with the Dodgers in 2023. Regardless of fighting a number of nagging accidents, together with a concussion, damaged rib and indirect situation, Smith appeared in 126 video games and slashed .261/.359/.438 with 19 residence runs, 76 RBIs and a powerful 63 walks to simply 89 strikeouts.
He additionally improved measurably as a game-caller, and advised Dodgers Nation on Wednesday how vital it was for him to hone in on that a part of his recreation.
“That simply form of comes with time and doing it and expertise,” Smith mentioned. “However yeah, it’s tremendous vital. It’s my job to set the pitchers up for achievement. I come ready each recreation, know what the hitters can do, not do, and simply form of piece it collectively. It’s a giant, vital half that I play, and it’s tremendous vital to me.”
That mentioned, Smith, one of many Dodgers’ greatest homegrown stars, has simply two extra years of crew management remaining. After the 2025 season, he’s set to hit free company.
Whereas Smith has emerged as the most effective catchers in baseball, the Dodgers even have a plethora of younger catchers rising the minor league ranks: prime prospects Dalton Dashing, Diego Cartaya and Thayron Liranzo.
What does that imply for Smith’s future in Los Angeles?
“I simply deal with the day-to-day. That’s simply my character on the subject of about something,” Smith mentioned. “Simply form of stay within the current. So, yeah, I’m not wanting too far forward in any respect.”
He did make one factor clear, although: “I adore it right here.”
With the tip of his rookie deal nearing, have he and the Dodgers had any conversations relating to a possible extension?
“No,” Smith mentioned.
Smith turns 29 on the finish of March and has continued to enhance in every of his first 5 seasons within the large leagues.
At a place the place offense is nearly secondary, Smith has been a premium bat in a premier spot within the lineup. An extension with Smith has made sense for a number of years. For now, the Dodgers have elected to not open negotiations.
Smith and the Dodgers agreed to an $8.55 million deal to keep away from arbitration on Jan. 11. Subsequent 12 months can be his last 12 months of arbitration and, maybe, his last 12 months in Los Angeles.
Photograph Credit score: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports activities
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