Los Angeles Dodgers star Will Smith has firmly established himself as the most effective catchers in baseball.
The previous first spherical pick of Louisville has made three-straight All-Star appearances. Smith has been a core member on two World Collection groups. He’s confirmed to be an above-average defensive catcher, a superb offensive catcher by way of bat-to-ball expertise, and in the end one of the crucial well-rounded gamers at his place within the sport.
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There’s even a case to be made that Smith has already entrenched himself on the Dodgers’ all-time Mount Rushmore for catchers (with Mike Piazza, Roy Campanella, and Mike Scioscia).
When talking with Dodgers Nation’s Doug McKain, Smith made it clear that he’d like to signify Staff USA once more for the 2026 World Baseball Basic. Smith was a member of the silver medal-winning staff in 2023. The squad in the end misplaced the gold medal to Shohei Ohtani and Staff Japan.
“Oh yeah I’d like to. I had such a enjoyable time final time competing,” Smith mentioned. “So I’d like to do it once more.”
McKain then requested Smith about how competing in these pressure-packed conditions (World Baseball Basic, the All-Star Sport) differ from regular video games performed through the season.
“You bought to get to know your teammates actually quick,” Smith mentioned. “Extra so within the WBC.”
The following development for Smith because it pertains to the 2026 World Baseball Basic is to garner a beginning spot. Veteran Philadelphia Phillies catcher JT Realmuto was the starter for Staff USA in 2023.
In 2026, Realmuto will probably be turning 35 years of age. Smith is in the midst of his prime (evidenced by at present competing for the NL batting title).
The opposite attainable competitor for the spot is Cal “Massive Dumper” Raleigh. Raleigh is among the main favorites to win the AL MVP Award given his monster season at present for the Seattle Mariners.
Whether or not Smith begins or not subsequent season, Staff USA’s catching place on the very least needs to be in nice palms.
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Photograph Credit score: Jerome Miron-Imagn Pictures
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