Will Smith: Dodgers catcher, Signs Record-Breaking Contract and Aims for a stellar season.

Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith has successfully avoided arbitration by signing a one-year contract worth $8.55 million for the 2024 season. This deal marks the largest ever for a second-year arbitration-eligible catcher in MLB history.

While the figure falls short of some projections, such as those made by MLB Trade Rumors and Cot’s Baseball Contracts, it still represents a significant increase from Smith’s $5.25 million salary in the previous year.

Having earned a combined $13.8 million in his first two years of salary arbitration, Smith will go through the process for the final time next year before potentially becoming a free agent after the 2025 season.

Reportedly, there have been no discussions regarding a contract extension between Smith and the Dodgers at this point, according to Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic.

Smith is on track to receive a deal that will make him one of the highest-paid catchers in the league. Currently, that distinction belongs to J.T. Realmuto of the Philadelphia Phillies, who signed a five-year contract prior to the 2021 season with an annual salary of $23.875 million.

Coming off an All-Star season, Smith proved his worth by posting a solid.261/.359/.438 batting line with 21 doubles, 19 home runs, and 76 RBI. He had an exceptional first half of the season, although he struggled with a prolonged slump after the All-Star break.

Despite playing through a fractured rib in the first half, Smith remained productive, but his offensive performance dipped once he regained full health. Additionally, he faced a concussion that caused him to miss almost two weeks in April.

Smith’s impressive skills have earned him recognition as one of the top catchers heading into the 2024 season. The Shredder rankings, which assess the best catchers in baseball, placed Smith at No. 2 for the second consecutive year. The Baltimore Orioles’ Adley Rutschman claimed the top spot, surpassing Smith for the first time on The Shredder’s annual list.

With a record-breaking contract in hand and high expectations, Smith aims to build upon his success and contribute to the Dodgers’ pursuit of another successful season in 2024.