Dodgers: Constructing the Future Dodgers Lineup

6. Will Smith, Catcher

2016’s first-round pick, Will Smith, is very well on his way to becoming the Dodgers catcher of the future. Smith is currently hitting .241/.372/.431 with seven home runs. I know it’s nothing to set the world on fire, but Smith is actually touted for his defensive versatility.

Smith profiles to be very similar to Buster Posey or Yasmani Grandal on the defensive end. He’s developing as an excellent pitch framer and has caught more base stealers than has allowed in the minor leagues this season.

Smith’s defensive excellence brings a good quality to this Dodger lineup. His ability to make contact and not strike out for a young prospect is the reason why he’s hitting in a part of the order where he can still drive in runs. Smith has been hitting second or fifth in the lineup over at Rancho Cucamonga, but with a loaded roster this talented, I think sixth fits the bill.

There is the potential upside for Smith to generate a little more power. He currently owns a .431 slugging percentage, but with a bit more strengthening of his core, we could see the doubles translate to more homers. But it’s nice to see that the Dodgers pitching staff won’t lose the pitch framing skills of Grandal when Smith takes over.