Will Smith’s feat from Dodgers-Padres series puts a finer point on MVP-worthy season

Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith has had a season to remember in 2025. All of Major League Baseball is seeing on a daily basis just how special Smith is. Dodgers fans have known it for quite some time, but the veteran has really excelled in his age-30 season.

While he won't win the NL MVP Award, Smith does something on a nightly basis that proves he is deserving of consideration. That has never been more true than this past weekend, when he shined in a pivotal series against the San Diego Padres.

Even though Smith was 0-for-10 at the plate against San Diego (and is currently going through an offensive slump), he still found a way to provide value to his team. On Sunday, Smith threw out three would-be base stealers in the first two innings, which eventually helped the Dodgers complete the sweep.

Three caught stealings were a career-high for Smith in a single game. It also tied an MLB single-game record. He leads Major League Baseball with 24 runners thrown out this season. Smith also led baseball in 2024 with 32 baserunners caught stealing.

Will Smith's special 2025 season with Dodgers is worthy of MVP consideration

On the surface, Smith's 2025 campaign doesn't jump off the page as being MVP-worthy. But if we look at where it stacks up compared to other catchers in MLB history, it's clear how well he's playing.

Only five players in MLB history have 1.) recorded 450 at-bats in a season, 2.) posted an OPS+ of 155 or higher, and 3.) played at least 90 percent of their games at catcher.

Three of the five players to accomplish that feat — Mike Piazza, Carlton Fisk, and Roy Campanella — are Hall of Famers. Smith is on pace to join them this season. Not even Cal Raleigh can say that because he's played 29 games as the Mariners' designated hitter.

Smith could very easily finish with over 5.0 fWAR this season. He's currently 13th in fWAR among National League position players (3.7).

A true MVP is a player that finds a way to help his team on a nightly basis, even when going through the natural valleys of a 162-game baseball season. At his worst, Smith is still an asset to the Dodgers, and at his best, he's possibly the most impactful player on the field.

That MVP award will likely go to Dodgers teammate Shohei Ohtani for a fourth time, but Smith deserves to get votes and be in the conversation come season's end.