Dodgers make another big-money move with Will Smith

In response to ESPN, the Los Angeles Dodgers have locked up star catcher Will Smith (the one who did not slap Chris Rock) for the lengthy haul.

Smith, quickly to be 29, was scheduled to be a free agent in 2025, however the Dodgers reportedly signed him to a 10-year, $140 million contract extension that can hold him with the membership by way of the 2033 season.

It is smart, too, as a result of Smith is undoubtedly one of many better-hitting catchers in baseball. Since being drafted in 2016, his slash line has been a sturdy .261/.357/.483 with a .840 OPS in 5 MLB seasons. He has hammered 91 dwelling runs and knocked in 306 RBI for the Dodgers whereas working as a 4.1 WAR (wins above substitute) participant over the previous two seasons.

This large contract offers Smith long-term stability as he heads into his 30s. It additionally helps the Dodgers, although, as a result of he’ll depend for simply $14 million a yr in opposition to the competitive-balance tax payroll.

The Dodgers have been massive spenders in current months with the obvious instance of that being the 10-year, $700 million deal they gave Shohei Ohtani. For comparability’s sake, Ohtani’s wage will depend towards $46 million of the Dodgers’ luxury-tax wage yearly.

Smith made his first All-Star sport final season after hitting .261 with 19 dwelling runs and 76 RBI. He was additionally thought of a 1.4 DWAR participant as a catcher (fourth greatest in baseball) with simply two handed balls given up and a caught stealing share of .209.