Los Angeles Dodgers star Will Smith has firmly established himself as among the best catchers in baseball.
The previous first spherical select of Louisville has made three-straight All-Star appearances. Smith has been a core member on two World Sequence groups. He’s confirmed to be an above-average defensive catcher, a wonderful offensive catcher by way of bat-to-ball expertise, and in the end probably the most well-rounded gamers at his place within the sport.
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There’s even a case to be made that Smith has already entrenched himself on the Dodgers’ all-time Mount Rushmore for catchers (with Mike Piazza, Roy Campanella, and Mike Scioscia).
When talking with Dodgers Nation’s Doug McKain, Smith made it clear that he’d like to signify Workforce USA once more for the 2026 World Baseball Basic. Smith was a member of the silver medal-winning crew in 2023. The squad in the end misplaced the gold medal to Shohei Ohtani and Workforce Japan.
“Oh yeah I’d like to. I had such a enjoyable time final time competing,” Smith mentioned. “So I’d like to do it once more.”
McKain then requested Smith about how competing in these pressure-packed conditions (World Baseball Basic, the All-Star Sport) differ from regular video games performed through the season.
“You bought to get to know your teammates actually quick,” Smith mentioned. “Extra so within the WBC.”
The subsequent development for Smith because it pertains to the 2026 World Baseball Basic is to garner a beginning spot. Veteran Philadelphia Phillies catcher JT Realmuto was the starter for Workforce USA in 2023.
In 2026, Realmuto can be turning 35 years of age. Smith is in the midst of his prime (evidenced by presently competing for the NL batting title).
The opposite potential competitor for the spot is Cal “Huge Dumper” Raleigh. Raleigh is among the main favorites to win the AL MVP Award given his monster season presently for the Seattle Mariners.
Whether or not Smith begins or not subsequent season, Workforce USA’s catching place on the very least must be in nice fingers.
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Picture Credit score: Jerome Miron-Imagn Photos
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