“It Stung”: Dodgers’ Will Smith Opens Up On All-Star Snubs Despite ‘Best Catcher in the League’ Status

Will Smith’s rise to fame could be a great lesson for most young players. The Los Angeles Dodgers’ catcher’s journey hasn’t ever been easy. Though he made it clear from his debut that he was their future catcher, Smith had to improve a lot before he could become permanent. However, it wasn’t ever a challenge for him and Smith quickly became one of the best catchers in baseball. Still despite some ridiculously good performances, the All-Star label remained elusive till 2023. Something that has never made much sense to a normal Dodgers fan.

However, it made even less sense to Smith. After all, he was wildly touted as being the best catcher in the league since the beginning of 2021. But despite all the plaudits and applauses, when it came to accolades Smith fell behind. Now the $140 million Dodger has revealed his thought process during those times and it’s quite interesting.

Will Smith recently appeared in Flippin’ Bats with Ben Verlander. During their discussions, the topic shifted to Smith not being named an all-star for multiple years. “Both those years, I felt like I could have deserved it but it stung a little bit probably. But I’ve never been like a guy that’s looking for awards or all-star nods or anything like that.”

Later Smith shared that his focus remains on enjoying his time on the field and helping his team win. The star was clear on the fact that his primary goal remains winning the World Series. Still, for a catcher who was excelling in offense and defense, it was a little odd how Smith missed being an all-star in 2021 and 2022.

The numbers tell the tale by themselves. Since his debut in 2019, Will Smith has been leading other catchers all over the league on multiple fronts. 

How the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Will Smith improved his game

According to Los Angeles Times in 2023 – Will Smith’s career OPS stood at .862, the highest of any catcher since Smith’s debut in 2019. That put him firmly at or near the top of all catchers across the league. However, Smith’s defense had always been his major weakness – he improved that by becoming even more vocal on the field.

“He’s been more proactive as far as mound visits and speaking up in meetings,” Roberts said to the LA Times in 2023. “That takes time. But when he does say something, it’s heard. It lands with players.” 

Smith’s habit of consistently asking questions and working on himself has paid him dividends. So despite him getting his All-Star nod almost two years too late, the star is happy with it. After all, it only motivated him to be even better. And if that $140 million extension is any indication – the Dodgers know they have a diamond on their hands.