Dodgers’ Will Smith Breaks Silence on $140 Million, 10-Year Contract Extension: “Taken a Little Pressure Off”

Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith finally addressed the burning question on everyone’s mind: his mammoth $140 million, 10-year contract extension. Signed in late March, the deal solidified Smith’s place as a cornerstone of the Dodgers’ future. But with a contract that size, some might wonder if it adds pressure or provides relief.

How does a young star feel about the weight of such a hefty contract? Interestingly, not much has changed for Smith’s approach to his game.

In a recent interview on “Flippin’ Bats with Ben Verlander,” Smith shed light on his mindset. Chatting with Verlander, Smith revealed, “I think for me it’s probably taken a little pressure off.”

“I wouldn’t really call it pressure, but I don’t know.” Smith admitted. This is a stark contrast to the security his new contract provides. “I feel like in baseball, you never really get to feel, you know, stable, I guess, or stationary, or in one spot… You could get traded any day.”

This sentiment resonates with many fans. Baseball careers are fleeting, and a trade can happen overnight. Now, Will Smith knows exactly where he’ll be calling home for the next decade. This stability undoubtedly brings peace of mind, as evidenced by his comment: “Just being in LA, which is great…” So, how much did this financial windfall impact his performance?

The “Best Catcher in the League” chatter hasn’t stopped swirling around Smith, and he fueled the fire with a strong performance yesterday. Taking the field against the Washington Nationals, Smith went for four hits with an RBI. Despite the small sample size, it suggests his focus remains firmly on the field. After all, a big contract doesn’t guarantee success; you still gotta swing the bat, as they say.

Decoding the details of Will Smith’s decade-long commitment

This isn’t just a feel-good story for Smith; it’s a strategic move by the Boys in Blue. In fact, the team has invested heavily in recent months, committing nearly $1.4 billion to secure five key players since December. This aggressive spending spree signifies the Dodgers’ championship aspirations.

The $140 million deal replaces Smith’s previous one-year agreement and keeps him in blue through the 2033 season. This long-term commitment underscores the Dodgers’ confidence in Smith’s ability to be a key contributor for years to come. The 29-year-old All-Star boasts a solid career batting average of .266 with impressive power numbers—92 home runs and 324 RBIs in just six seasons. Will Smith’s offensive prowess, combined with his defensive skills behind the plate, make him a valuable asset.

Here’s a closer look at the Dodgers’ recent spending spree:

Shohei Ohtani: The biggest chunk of the investment goes to this two-way superstar, with a whopping $700 million contract for 10 years.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto: This young pitcher also secured a hefty deal, with $325 million for 12 years.

Tyler Glasnow: The Blue Crew bolstered their pitching staff further by signing Tyler Glasnow for a five-year contract worth $136.5 million.

Teoscar Hernández: Rounding out the acquisitions is Hernández, a seasoned outfielder, on a one-year, $23.5 million deal.

It looks like the Dodgers are clearly betting big on a core they believe can deliver World Series titles. By investing heavily in these talented players, the team is sending a strong message about their championship aspirations.

Will this all-in approach pay off? Only time will tell. With Will Smith locked in for a decade, the Dodgers have a reliable backstop, both on and off the field. His veteran presence behind the plate will be crucial for guiding the young staff, and his consistent bat adds another weapon to the team’s already potent lineup.