Dodgers Haven't Discussed Contract Extension With All-Star Catcher
Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith is coming off his first All-Star campaign since making his major league debut in 2019.
Last season, the Dodgers' No. 3 hitter played in 126 games and hit .261 with 19 home runs and 76 runs batted in.
Smith has blossomed into one of the best homegrown talents on this Los Angeles roster. He has come up clutch repeatedly and developed his pitch-calling skills.
Why haven't the Dodgers begun initial discussions about a contract extension?
According to Smith, they haven't said a word to him about it but he is fine with that. He told dodgersnation.com that he wants to focus on his job and the task at hand before he loses his focus and goes down the contract rabbit hole.
“I just focus on the day-to-day. That’s just my personality when it comes to about anything. Just kind of live in the present. So, yeah, I’m not looking too far ahead at all.”
The two parties avoided arbitration this offseason when they agreed to a one-year, $8.55 million deal.
It was his second straight year of arbitration eligibility and this year's agreement set a record for catchers.
With Smith eligible for one more season of arbitration, the Dodgers might want to begin those contract negotiations sooner rather than later. He has only years left under team control. If the Dodgers allow Smith to reach free agency, they will have to fight with many other potential suitors.
However, Smith did make one thing clear by saying, "I love it here."
A former first-round draft pick, Smith has hit .261 with 91 home runs and 306 RBIs, and made one All-Star team, in five major league seasons.
