Dodgers Manager Has High Praise For 'Under the Radar' Star in Lineup

The Los Angeles Dodgers are filled with superstar talent. The most notable ones are the top of the order and the three MVPs: Mookie Betts, Shohei Ohtania, and Freddie Freeman. These three are the engines that will make the Dodgers go; however, the star power continues beyond there.

In reality, the Dodgers have four-star players, with the fourth being their All-Star catcher and $140 million man, Will Smith. Smith is LA's cleanup hitter and will be vital in LA reaching their goals for the next ten years, but especially in 2024.

He may not get the attention that the 'Big 3' get; however, he's just as vital as those three. Dodger fans know this, and so does manager Dave Roberts. After Tuesday's win over the Minnesota Twins, Roberts spoke to the media, including Bill Plunkett of the OC Register, and he talked about Smith's importance to the team and how he likes not being in the spotlight as much.

"I think he likes it that way, as far as being under the radar," Roberts said. "He's hitting fourth in a pretty dang good lineup so he's not going unnoticed here. I think he's an All-Star. A star player. He's very consistent. I think the 'Big 3' certainly gets a lot of media attention. But that four hitter is pretty dang good too. He's very consistent. He's exactly what we need behind those three guys."

Smith definitely goes under the radar when compared to Betts, Ohtani, and Freeman. However, his game is just as excellent and impactful as these guys. His numbers so far put him on par with his superstar teammates. In 55 Abs, he's slashing .388/.417/.509 with a .926 OPS, 12 RBIs, and hit his first home run of the season on Tuesday in the fifth inning.

Smith is vocal, rather quite the opposite, yet his game speaks volumes. The 29-year-old will turn that 'Big 3' into the 'Big 4' this season.