Will Smith's surprising injury reveal likely explains inconsistency with 2024 Dodgers

Will Smith has been the Los Angeles Dodgers' primary catcher for four seasons, but he didn't look like himself in the latest one.

The 29-year-old posted a .248/.327/.433 slash line with a .760 OPS over 128 games — it would be a fine showing for a catcher if Dodgers fans weren't used to higher offensive output from Smith. The backstop tends to start the season hot at the plate and fall off in the second half, but the drop-off in 2024 was stark.

In LA's June 8 game against the Yankees in the Bronx, Smith dropped into a slide at second base to avoid a tag. As he slid, his foot jammed into the bag instead of going around it, and the impact resulted in a bone bruise.

Nine months after he crunched his ankle, Smith is still experiencing pain at Dodgers spring training. He never missed any time last season because of the injury, which may be the root of the problem — rest seems to be the only way to get rid of such a deep, pesky bone bruise. Even through his second-half slump, Smith played with the Dodgers all the way up to their World Series win over the Yankees on Oct. 30.

Smith batted .272 /.346/.492 in 80 games before the 2024 All-Star break and .206/.295/.331 in 48 appearances after. He claims the injury didn't affect his performance in the batter's box and that he only feels pain when running. LA's manager Dave Roberts conversely noted that Smith missed some balls he could normally reach, and GM Brandon Gomes suggests the injury led to some "bad habits" in the batter's box.

Regardless of who is correct, the Dodgers may be forced into giving Smith more rest in 2025 to keep his play pain-free (or as painless as possible). They have a few depth catching options to give their usual starter an extra day off here and there, including Austin Barnes and prospects Hunter Feduccia and Dalton Rushing. There's enough talent on this roster for the Dodgers to get away with something like that in the early going.

Maybe if the Dodgers give Smith enough time to recover over the next 4-8 weeks, he'll post an opposite season to his usual work — slow in the first half and strong in the second. LA could certainly use that as they look to defend their championship.