Dodgers Finalizing a 10-Year Extension with Catcher Will Smith Worth $140 Million
ICARO Media Group
According to a source close to the matter, the deal is worth a staggering $140 million, including deferred compensation.
While the club has yet to officially confirm the agreement, Smith's extension makes him the fourth Dodger to be signed through at least 2032. This puts him in the esteemed company of Mookie Betts, who secured a 12-year extension, as well as Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who both signed historic 10 and 12-year deals, respectively.
Smith, who celebrated his 29th birthday on Thursday, had a breakout season in 2023, earning his first All-Star selection. As the team's cleanup hitter, he plays a vital role in the Dodgers' powerful lineup, slotting in behind Betts, Ohtani, and Freddie Freeman.
Having made his Major League debut in 2019 after being a first-round Draft pick out of Louisville, Smith boasts an impressive career slash line of .263/.358/.484. The talented catcher has shown his prowess with the bat, hitting a remarkable 68 home runs from 2021 to 2023. He achieved career highs of 25 home runs in 2021 and 24 in 2022.
Smith's extension also comes as a relief for the Dodgers, as he was set to become a free agent after the 2025 season. By agreeing to a reported $8.55 million deal for the 2024 campaign, Smith has not only secured his future with the team but also avoided arbitration.
The Dodgers' commitment to their core players signals their determination to maintain their competitive edge in the coming years. With Smith's extension, the team ensures that their formidable lineup remains intact, setting the stage for continued success in the seasons ahead.