Will Smith is only in his third season with the Los Angeles Dodgers, but he has already established himself as one of the league’s best offensive catchers and continues making a name for himself in the postseason.
After going 0-for-3 in the Wild Card Game, Smith batted .333 with two doubles, two home runs and three RBI in five games against the San Francisco Giants in the National League Division Series.
The 26-year-old has put up similar numbers in three NL Championship Series games against the Atlanta Braves. “I feel good up in the box, the swing feels locked in,” Smith said.
“Swinging at the right pitches and that’s kind of what I try to focus on. Just swing at the right pitches and put together a good at-bat and I just need to keep it going.”
When asked to explain his playoff success, Smith noted that he doesn’t let any particular moment get too big. “In the postseason you just kind of got to slow everything down,” Smith said.
“Whether it’s an at-bat, just kind of take a breath, relax, not let, not try to do too much. And same thing behind the plate. Slow the game down, think about what you’re doing, think about who is on deck, what the situation is, just being able to slow the game down and let the game come to you.”
Smith revealed that he learned this approach by simply experiencing it firsthand. “Just by doing it, honestly. It’s just being able to breathe, relax, and play the game,” he said.
Smith seeing progress on defense
In addition to his elite offensive skills, Smith also has made considerable strides on defense. He posted a .995 fielding percentage behind the plate this season and threw out a career-high 25% baserunners.
“Yeah, probably on both sides of the ball,” Smith answered when asked where his biggest growth has been. “Definitely feel like I’ve grown as a hitter being around the older guys, just more time, just a little more consistency, probably.
“Same thing defensively, it’s the experience. It’s being in big-game situations. It all just kinds of adds up to being a better baseball player and growing as a person.”
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