Since making his MLB debut during the 2019 season, Will Smith has established himself as one of the top catchers in all of baseball. Despite this, Smith is generally overlooked by the rest of the league as he inexplicably has never been selected to represent the Los Angeles Dodgers in an All-Star Game.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts was vocal about Smith being snubbed last season and has continued to praise the 28-year-old backstop. “I think with respect to the position, he is,” Roberts answered when asked if he considers Smith a superstar.
“I think that he’s one of the top three catchers in all of baseball. I think you know him, you got to put (J.T.) Realmuto and (Adley) Rutschman in that kind of conversation. But he’s a superstar, and that probably makes him uncomfortable.
“But given his ability to post and work both sides of the baseball, hit in the middle of the order, you don’t find guys like that.”
While several Dodgers regulars have struggled out of the gate this season, Smith picked up where he left off last year. Smith’s season then was interrupted by a stint on the concussion injured list.
However, he’s hardly missed a beat since getting activated. Overall this season, Smith is batting .325/.420/.625 with six doubles, six home runs and 19 RBI.
The Dodgers are 16-5 in games Smith has started this season.
Will Smith comfortable batting third in Dodgers lineup
After primarily serving as the Dodgers’ cleanup hitter last season, Smith has been moved up to the No. 3 spot following Trea Turner’s departure in free agency.
“To me, it’s just treat every at-bat the same,” Smith said when asked if he feels comfortable with the change. “Just trying to keep my approach, swing at the right pitches. That’s what I can control. That’s how I go about it.”
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