Dodgers: Will Smith Trying to Extend His Stay in Los Angeles

The latest Dodgers’ youngster to be called up the show made his presence felt in Saturday night’s win.  Will Smith hit a walk-off home run to give LA a 4-3 win.

On Saturday night, one of the newest Dodger youngsters made his first highlight reel play by blasting a home run into the left-field stands to give the Dodgers a win.  For Will Smith, it was his first big league home run and hopefully the first of many for him in Dodger blue.  Although it’s only been fourteen at-bats for Will, he is trying to force the Dodgers’ hand to keep him on the roster.

Austin Barnes is eligible to be activated next weekend in San Francisco, meaning a roster move is due soon.  Austin Barnes and Russell Martin have both played various infield positions so the Dodgers could choose to go with three catchers on their active roster.  When Travis d’Arnaud made his brief cameo with the Dodgers, the team carried three catchers on the roster.

Austin Barnes and Russell Martin have been holding down the catcher position for the Dodgers and together they have done a decent job.  Austin Barnes started slow offensively but over his last fifteen games, he posted a .273/.385/.432 slash line before his injury.  Defensively he has been solid as usual although he has only thrown out two potential base stealers.

While Will Smith has only gotten four starts in the majors so far, it has been easy to see his potential.  Defensively he has already caught two base stealers (the same as Austin Barnes) in just four starts.  His arm has looked strong and his pop up from the catcher’s crouch has also looked very quick.  He is yet another athletic catcher that the Dodgers have developed.

More from LA Dodgers News

• Giants laughably sign pitcher that Dodgers absolutely own
• Dave Roberts’ quote about Padres in NLDS should motivate Dodgers
• Former Astro seemingly takes uncalled for shot at Cody Bellinger after Cubs deal
• Dodgers’ 2023 lineup without Trea Turner isn’t as impressive as it should be
• Recapping who Dodgers gained and lost in Rule 5 Draft

Offensively Will Smith has looked as advertised with impressive power.  Although he hit his first home run last night, he has hit the ball hard with an average exit velocity of 98.3 miles per hour.  For comparison, the MLB average is 88.9 MPH and Austin Barnes’ average exit velocity is just 87.8 MPH.  When Will makes contact, he does not get cheated.

Although he has only had fourteen at-bats entering Sunday’s game, it will be interesting to see what the Dodgers decide to do when Austin Barnes comes off the injured list.  Will they go with three catchers on the roster or demote Smith?  Barnes can play second base and Martin has played third base in the past so each of the catchers is versatile with Will Smith also playing third base in the minors.

The Dodgers began the season with Austin Barnes and Russell Martin solely as stopgap options at catcher.  Now that Will Smith is up, it will be interesting to see if the Dodgers go all in on starting Smith even when Barnes is healthy.  Andrew Friedman said last winter that Will Smith would contribute at some point this season and it appears the time has arrived.