The Los Angeles Dodgers already had an impressive off-season in which they committed a lot of money to players such as Shohei Ohtani, Tyler Glasnow, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Teoscar Hernandez, and others. Now catcher Will Smith can be added to that list as the 29 year old has reached a 10 year agreement on a contract extension with the ball club.
Will Smith and the Los Angeles Dodgers have agreed to a 10 year, $140 million contract extension.
Entering the 2024 season Will Smith had two years of team control remaining. The catchers final year of arbitration was set for the 2025 season, but he will now will avoid arbitration and have contract security over the next decade. According to The Athletic he will receive a $30 million signing bonus and $45 million will be deferred.
This is the third largest contract for a catcher in MLB history
Only two other catchers have signed a contract extension of more value than Will Smith. Ahead of him is Joe Mauer’s $184 million extension with the Twins (2011-18) and Buster Posey’s $167 million extension with the Giants (2013-21).
How has Will Smith performed as a member of the Dodgers?
Across five big league seasons Will Smith has one All-Star appearance (2023). His career slash line is .261/.357/.483 that includes 91 home runs and 306 RBI. He’s maxed out at 25 home runs and 87 RBI so far in which those numbers are exceptionally good for catchers.
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