The Los Angeles Dodgers have reached a 10-year contract extension with catcher Will Smith worth $140 million. Approximately $45 million of the contract will be deferred, including a $30 million signing bonus.
The Dodgers are finalizing a 10-year extension for Will Smith pic.twitter.com/dkWYSufe1Z
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) March 27, 2024
The extension pushes back Smith’s free agency by nearly a decade. He is considered one of the top-hitting catchers in baseball and has shown consistent performance throughout his career, averaging 30 home runs per 162 games played.
Defensively, Smith excels in blocking pitches but struggles in pitch-framing. The Dodgers have shown a commitment to building a strong core, having also signed free agents Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto to more than $1 billion in future salary.
Smith’s extension ensures his integral role in the Dodgers’ pursuit of multiple championships over the next decade. He becomes the fourth Dodger signed through at least 2032, joining Mookie Betts, Shohei Ohtani, and Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
BREAKING: Catcher Will Smith and the Los Angeles Dodgers are finalizing a 10-year, $140 million contract extension, sources tell ESPN.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) March 27, 2024
The team is relying on Smith’s offensive prowess to complement the star lineup consisting of Betts, Ohtani, and Freddie Freeman. Contract negotiations between Smith and the Dodgers had been ongoing for several seasons, but a long-term agreement was finally reached after recent discussions in South Korea.
Smith, who was set to become a free agent after the 2025 season, will now be with the Dodgers through 2033. The deal covers his final two years of arbitration eligibility and includes eight more years. Since his debut in 2019, Smith has a career .263/.358/.484 slash line and has hit 68 home runs from 2021-2023, including a career-high of 25 in 2021.
The best catcher in baseball is here to stay.
The Los Angeles Dodgers and catcher Will Smith agree to a 10-year contract extension through the 2033 season. Congratulations, Will! pic.twitter.com/tMB5kCwqJp
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) March 27, 2024
While he may be overshadowed by other star players on the Dodgers’ lineup, Smith’s hitting abilities and consistent performance make him a valuable asset. This offseason, the Dodgers have been active in signing various players, and Smith’s extension is seen as a positive move for the team.
The deal is considered a bargain for the Dodgers, as Smith accepted a relatively lower average annual salary in exchange for long-term security.
However, this is the third largest in MLB history ever given to a catcher. Ahead of Smith’s pact would be Joe Mauer’s $184 million extension with the Twins (2011-18) and Buster Posey’s $167 million extension with the Giants (2013-21).
The Dodgers have already spent over $1 billion in free agent acquisitions and have now added $274 million in contract extensions.
Smith, a talented catcher for the Dodgers, has signed a 10-year contract extension. Since his debut in 2019, he has been one of the best offensive catchers, leading all catchers with a 128 wRC+ and a .840 OPS. Despite concerns about his ability to stay at the position long-term, Smith has made significant improvements in game-calling and commanding a pitching staff.
The Dodgers have depth at catchers with Austin Barnes, Hunter Feduccia, and Diego Cartaya on the roster. Additionally, they have ‘catching’ prospects Dalton Rushing and Thayron Liranzo. Smith’s versatility as an infielder is also valuable.
The contract provides a long-term commitment and potential luxury tax benefits for the Dodgers.
Fans reacted as follows:
$1 per year for the next 140 million years
— GPOgiants (@GPOGiants1999) March 27, 2024
Holy only 14 mil per year
— 𝒟𝒶𝓁𝑒⛱ (@CamdinoK) March 27, 2024
👏👏 Good signing. pic.twitter.com/MgoBXHQ2bG
— Gideon 6ix✍️ (@Gideon_6ix) March 27, 2024
they didn’t even double check to make sure it was the one who wins World Series lol
— Max Mannis (@MaxMannis) March 27, 2024
Interested to see the AAV, imagine after year 6 it drops to 5-6 a year. Can’t be paying a catcher 14 a year at 39 years old
— Nick Buchanan (@NicholasBuc) March 27, 2024
Even a “team friendly” long term extension for the dodgers is flashy
😮💵
— Jake Cobb (@realjakecobb) March 27, 2024
Will smith got the bag. Sheesh pic.twitter.com/xUftMFWllb
— Budget Slates (@BudgetSlates) March 28, 2024
Solid for both sides, Smith probably won't be the everyday catcher for much longer so if the offense can stay around his averages this is great value
— Spectators Media (@SpectatorsMedia) March 27, 2024
Where is this money coming from? Is there a money laundering scheme going on?
— Michael Klein (@mespn520) March 27, 2024
Shoutout to Ohtani for taking up gambling to only earn 2Mil a year from the Dodgers so they can add to their roster.
— Ryan Edwards (@rydog_11) March 27, 2024
That’s a steal. Even as a giants fan I gotta admit he’s underrated. Lost in the shiny lineup
— Bozo Baggins (@jackhrrs12) March 27, 2024
Only 14 million a year??? Investigate this franchise
— Mike Dro (@MikeDro_) March 27, 2024
Braves players do this because they want to stay in Atlanta, clearly Smith just wants to stay in Los Angeles
— RB (@rbhockey6) March 27, 2024
He’ll be 39 when it ends. His knees will be lucky to make it to 33 with how many games he plays.
— Narsa (@Narsa3_20_) March 27, 2024
He is a catcher, they don’t command as much as most positions and typically don’t age well. There is a good chance that he will not be a serviceable MLB player for the back end of this deal (through age 39 season)
— Joey (@TheJHeyKid22) March 27, 2024
He's 29, catchers aren't very good past 33 to 35. The last 5 years of that deal won't look great.
— Mike Carroll (@BIGcarrol1) March 27, 2024
catchers age worse than any other position. So 10 years assumes the last 2-4 will just be dead money.
— Mike… Byhoff? (@mbyhoff) March 27, 2024
Wait until you find out that it's actually only 1.4 million a year with 126 million deferred to 2040-2050 and a 'if you die we don't pay it' clause.
— Kevin Cruz (@KRC_Online) March 27, 2024
He has about 3/4 years left to start. He'll shift into Barnes role after that. So the money will even out
— TrolleyDodgers (@DodgersTrolley) March 27, 2024
This is a great way to end an epic off-season. Congratulations to Will Smith!
— (Sho)Tim Rogers 2080 ✝️🇺🇸⚾️ (@TimRogers2080) March 27, 2024
If it’s $14 mil/season, it’s a steal. 4th highest paid C now. Have to believe in 2-3 years it’s borderline top 10 C money for a top 3 player
— Jason (@RabbitohCards) March 27, 2024
Good for Will Smith to get his money. But is he actually worth that extension?
— Travis Wali (@sfgiantsfan15) March 27, 2024
Will Smith's contract extension cements his role as a key player for the Los Angeles Dodgers, securing their success for years ahead. Congratulations, Will, on your future with the team!
— Diamond💎 (@nur796530601) March 27, 2024
