Will Smith has been the Los Angeles Dodgers‘ starting catcher since 2019 — a backstop who pairs solid defense with a bat that keeps getting more dangerous. In 2025 he broke out offensively with a .296 average, 17 home runs, 61 RBI, and a .901 OPS, cementing his place among the most productive catchers in the game.
Quick Facts
- Full name: Will Smith
- Position: Catcher
- Team: Los Angeles Dodgers
- Number: 16
- Bats / Throws: Right / Right
- Height / Weight: 5’10» / 194 lbs
- Born: March 28, 1995 (31 years old)
- Hometown: Louisville, Kentucky, USA 🇺🇸
- MLB Debut: May 28, 2019
Background
Smith was born on March 28, 1995, in Louisville, Kentucky — a city with a baseball tradition, even if it doesn’t exactly churn out big leaguers. His path to the majors followed the familiar script: the draft, the minor leagues, and a whole lot of patience. The Dodgers selected him and developed him through their system over several years before he debuted in the blue on May 28, 2019.
He never arrived with top-prospect fanfare, but he showed up every day ready to earn his spot. That attitude has defined his career.
Professional Career
Smith’s early MLB years were about learning — refining his pitch framing, building leadership behind the plate, and finding his offensive footing. The organization believed in him, and the investment paid off.
In 2024, he flashed real power: 20 home runs and 75 RBI, though a .248 average showed there was still room to grow as a consistent hitter. He answered that call in 2025, putting together his best offensive season — .296 / 17 HR / 61 RBI / .901 OPS — and proving he can be an All-Star-caliber producer when everything clicks.
In 2026, Smith settled back into a more modest line: .249 average, 9 home runs, and 33 RBI. Offensive consistency remains the challenge for a player who, at his best, is one of the better hitting catchers in baseball.
Stats at a Glance
- 2026 — LAD: .249 AVG | 9 HR | 33 RBI | 33 R | .756 OPS | 0 SB
- 2025 — LAD: .296 AVG | 17 HR | 61 RBI | 64 R | .901 OPS | 2 SB
- 2024 — LAD: .248 AVG | 20 HR | 75 RBI | 77 R | .760 OPS | 1 SB
Awards and Accolades
Smith has earned multiple All-Star selections on the strength of his two-way contributions. He hasn’t taken home a Gold Glove individually, but his work behind the plate is widely respected around the league. He’s been a cornerstone of Dodgers teams that have consistently competed at the highest level.
The Bigger Picture
Catching is one of the most physically punishing positions in baseball, yet Smith has shown remarkable durability season after season. He’s never been the loudest name in the Dodgers’ loaded lineup — and that’s fine by him. He’s the kind of player organizations build around: reliable, hardworking, and always improving. That’s exactly the type of professional Los Angeles values.
