Catcher Will Smith and the Los Angeles Dodgers have reached a historic agreement on a 10-year, $140 million contract extension, the team announced on Wednesday. The deal will keep Smith with the Dodgers through the 2033 season, making him a key part of the team’s lineup for years to come.
Since his debut in 2019, Smith has quickly risen to become one of the best hitting catchers in baseball. Last season, he was named to his first All-Star Game and was a crucial part of the Dodgers’ offense. With power that produced more than 20 home runs, Smith has proven himself as a valuable asset on both offense and defense.
The Dodgers’ decision to lock in Smith with a long-term contract extension is part of a larger trend of big spending by the team this offseason. The signing comes on the heels of other major deals, including Shohei Ohtani’s 10-year, $700 million contract and Tyler Glasnow’s five-year, $137.5 million extension.
In total, the Dodgers have committed over $1.35 billion in salaries this winter, showing their commitment to fielding a competitive team for years to come. The decision to extend Smith’s contract to 10 years will also bring significant luxury tax benefits for the team.
With this new deal, Smith gains more security than most players typically receive in free agency, as he was set to hit the market at the start of his age-31 season. The extension also leaves open the possibility for Smith to transition to another position in the future, as he has experience playing third and second base in the minors.
Overall, the agreement between Will Smith and the Dodgers solidifies the team’s commitment to their core players and sets the stage for continued success in the seasons ahead.