Los Angeles Dodgers -star Will Smith has settled firmly as one of the best catchers in baseball.
The former first round from Louisville has made three consecutive All-Star performances. Smith has been a core member of two World Series teams. He has been proven to be an above-average defensive catcher, an excellent attacking catcher in terms of bat-to-ball skills, and ultimately one of the most rounded players in his position in sport.
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There is even a case that Smith has already anchored on the Mount Rushmore of the Dodgers of all time for catchers (with Mike Piazza, Roy Campanella and Mike Scioscia).
When he spoke with Doug McKain of Dodgers Nation, Smith made it clear that he would like to represent the USA Team again for the World Baseball Classic 2026. Smith was a member of the silver medal-winning team in 2023. The team eventually lost the gold medal to Shohei Ohtani and Japan team.
“Oh yes, I would like to. I had such a good time last time,” said Smith. “So I would like to do it again.”
McKain then asked Smith for how compete in these pressure-packaged situations (World Baseball Classic, The All-Star Game) differences of normal games that are played during the season.
“You have to get to know your teammates very quickly,” said Smith. “More in the WBC.”
The next progression for Smith as it is the World Baseball Classic 2026 is to collect a starting point. Veteran Philadelphia Phillies Catcher JT RealMuto was the starter for Team USA in 2023.
RealMuto will be 35 years old in 2026. Smith is in the middle of his Prime (proven by currently competing for the NL -Batting title).
The other possible competitor for the place is Cal “Big Dumper” Raleigh. Raleigh is one of the most important favorites to win the AL MVP prize, given his monster season for the Seattle Mariners.
Whether Smith starts or not next season, the catch position of Team USA should at least be in good hands.
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Photocredit: Jerome Miron imagn images
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