Will Smith has grow to be a family title within the Los Angeles Dodgers clubhouse and across the league, changing into an everyday on The Shredder rankings of the Top-10 Catchers Right now.
The eighth-year backstop was ranked by MLB Network because the third-best catcher heading into the 2026 season, marking his sixth consecutive yr within the prime three.
Smith was ranked at No. 2 on this record for the 2023 and 2024 seasons, however has but to occupy the highest spot. That honor went to reigning American League MVP runner-up Cal Raleigh this yr, and he was adopted by Milwaukee Brewers catcher William Contreras.
Smith is coming off the perfect season of his profession, and the Dodgers are hoping for extra of the identical in 2026. The right-hander was among the finest and most constant bats in your complete league all year long, hitting .296/.404/.497 with 20 doubles and 17 house runs.
His 153 wRC+ would have been the fifth-highest within the Majors final season if he certified, however he missed most of September with a hairline fracture in his proper hand.
Smith tasks to supply one other impactful season on the sector this yr, however he additionally offers worth within the clubhouse by main the pitching workers, and taking a veteran function, akin to showing Dalton Rushing the ropes in his sophomore season.
On virtually every other crew, Rushing would’ve had the chance to earn the beginning job behind the plate final season. He is, as a substitute, a luxurious the Dodgers can afford from a roster-building perspective.
Rushing didn’t put collectively the kind of season anticipated of a prime prospect, as he struggled to seek out any rhythm on the plate with the sporadic taking part in time he obtained because the backup catcher.
Smith has taken Rushing below his wing this season, taking the time to supply classes on each hitting and the Dodgers’ manner.
The younger Dodgers catcher feels ready to face the problem not having the ability to play on a regular basis head-on, with the expertise of final season, preseason preparation and steering from Smith below his belt.
As for Smith, he’ll bat in the midst of the the lineup this season. He wasn’t tied down to 1 spot final season, batting anyplace from the second to sixth spot.
MLB Top-10 Catchers Right Now for 2026
| Rank | The Shredder | Alex Avila |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cal Raleigh (Mariners) | Cal Raleigh (Mariners) |
| 2 | William Contreras (Brewers) | Will Smith (Dodgers) |
| 3 | Will Smith (Dodgers) | William Contreras (Brewers) |
| 4 | Drake Baldwin (Braves) | J.T. Realmuto (Phillies) |
| 5 | Alejandro Kirk (Blue Jays) | Alejandro Kirk (Blue Jays) |
| 6 | Gabriel Moreno (Diamondbacks) | Shea Langeliers (Athletics) |
| 7 | Yainer Diaz (Astros) | Dillon Dingler (Tigers) |
| 8 | Sean Murphy (Braves) | Hunter Goodman (Rockies) |
| 9 | Iván Herrera (Cardinals) | Yainer Diaz (Astros) |
| 10 | Shea Langeliers (Athletics) | Drake Baldwin (Braves) |
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