As the Dodgers approach the start of the 2021 season, there has been considerable focus on player growth during Spring Training this year. Twenty-five-year-old Louisville, Kentucky native Dodgers catcher Will Smith is one such player.

Smith ended the 2020 season batting a .289 and was recognized as one of the best catchers in the NL West division by several baseball analysts, but mainly for his offense at the plate, not his defense behind it. As far as pitch framing goes, 31-one-year-old Fullerton, California native Austin Barnes, Smith’s backstop brother, is noticeably better.

Having two catchers with two different strengths is a rare combination – and luxury – that many teams do not have. With the designated hitter no longer in play for the 2021 season, Smith will be forced to work on his defense and framing skills behind the plate, considering he will no longer be in the Dodgers lineup as a DH.

Barnes is the known favorite of 32-year-old Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw and several other veteran pitchers in the Dodgers rotation. However, the odds are low that we will see any less of Smith behind the plate if he continues to swing a hot bat.

During his daily Zoom media briefing on Saturday, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expressed what a luxury it is to have Smith on the Dodgers roster.

“To have a guy that’s really elite back behind the plate and to feel comfortable hitting him somewhere in the middle of the lineup vs. right vs. left is certainly a luxury,” explained Roberts. “And again, all the credit goes to Will and the hitting guys. He’s constantly getting better, and he’s just scratching the surface.”

It will be great for Dodger fans to continue witnessing Smith’s grow and develop behind the plate. And here’s hoping that his bat continues to be blazing hot this season … just as it was in 2020 with the World Series champion Dodgers.

Let’s play ball!

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