Smith, standing 5-foot-10 and weighing 195 pounds, was drafted out of the University of Louisville in the first round of the 2016 MLB Draft by the Los Angeles Dodgers. Since his electrifying debut, he’s become synonymous with clutch moments and unwavering reliability. Born on March 28, 1995, in Louisville, Kentucky, Smith now enters his seventh MLB season as one of the premier catchers in the game, all while donning Dodger Blue.
This past season, Smith showcased his trademark blend of offensive prowess and defensive dependability. He finished with a .248 batting average, smashing 20 home runs and driving in 75 runs — numbers that placed him among the National League’s best at his position. His 77 runs scored and 118 hits were good for second among NL catchers, while his .327 on-base percentage and .433 slugging percentage solidified his place as a formidable force at the plate. Smith started 128 games — fifth most on the team — and was voted to his second consecutive All-Star Game, where he notched a hit in two plate appearances, underscoring his status among baseball’s elite.
But Will Smith is more than just a stat line. His glove and arm are just as feared as his bat. He posted a 33% caught stealing rate, the highest among NL catchers with at least 28 attempts against, and finished the season with an impressive .996 fielding percentage, committing only four errors in 959 innings. In the postseason, Smith’s competitive fire burned even brighter: he started all 16 playoff games, delivering clutch hits — including three home runs and eight RBIs — as the Dodgers battled through October’s pressure cooker.
Smith’s highlights reel is packed with drama. On July 5, he blasted three home runs against Milwaukee, joining an exclusive club of Dodgers catchers to accomplish such a feat. He’s been the architect of walk-off victories, including a memorable pinch-hit home run in his rookie year that capped a streak of three consecutive rookie walk-offs. When the stakes are highest, Smith’s bat comes alive — he’s hit .545 with the bases loaded, and his nine-game hitting streak last summer powered the Dodgers during a critical stretch.
His rise is not just about raw numbers. Smith has been a part of three World Series championship teams, cementing his place in Dodgers lore. He’s won the respect of teammates and rivals alike for his leadership, game-calling, and relentless preparation. Even the national media has marveled at his ability to deliver under pressure, and he remains a fixture in postseason lineups, always ready for the moment.
The Dodgers have rewarded Smith’s consistency and star power with a massive contract: 10 years, $140 million, a testament to the organization’s faith in his future. With 661 hits and 128 home runs over his career, Smith is still just 30 years old and continues to evolve his game, both at the plate and behind it.
Looking ahead, the legend of Will Smith is still being written. As the Dodgers chase more October glory, one thing is certain: as long as “Smitty” is behind the plate, the drama, the passion, and the magic of Dodger baseball are in very safe hands. For fans and foes alike, there is no ignoring the impact of Will Smith — a catcher whose name is now synonymous with the championship spirit of Los Angeles.