Done Deal: Dodgers Key man extends contract.

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 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.

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.

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.