Amid a star-studded Los Angeles Dodgers roster featuring household names like Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman, one of the team’s most consistent and productive players this season has quietly emerged as a true offensive force: catcher Will Smith. Yet, despite his remarkable production, Smith remains somewhat underappreciated in broader National League MVP conversations.
On the surface, it’s understandable. The Dodgers lineup is packed with MVP-caliber talent, and the league’s spotlight this year often shines elsewhere — notably on Seattle’s Cal Raleigh, whose slugging exploits as a catcher have dominated headlines. Meanwhile, Smith’s own incredible numbers have barely registered in popular award odds or mainstream chatter.
Is Will Smith’s Outstanding 2025 Season Getting the Recognition It Deserves?
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Dayn Perry of CBS Sports took a deeper look at the numbers tells a different story. Through 89 games and 356 plate appearances, Smith has posted an extraordinary slash line of .316/.416/.529, accompanied by 14 home runs and 50 unintentional walks. This performance towers over the average MLB catcher’s .241/.309/.394 line, a testament to Smith’s elite offensive production despite the physical demands of catching over 1,000 innings this season.
Smith currently leads the National League in batting average at .321, putting him on pace to become just the fifth catcher in history — and the first since Buster Posey in 2012 — to claim a batting title. Given the demanding nature of the catcher’s position, maintaining qualifier status is no small feat.
But batting average only tells part of the story. A more comprehensive measure is OPS+, which adjusts for league and ballpark factors. Smith’s OPS+ of 167 ranks him just behind Raleigh’s 169 and trails only Shohei Ohtani among NL hitters. Historically, Smith’s OPS+ this year places him in elite company alongside Hall of Famers and MVPs such as Mike Piazza, Joe Mauer, Buster Posey, Johnny Bench, and Roy Campanella.
While Smith may not be an elite pitch-framer, he manages the Dodgers’ pitching staff with trusted expertise and controls the running game effectively — a reflection of the Dodgers’ confidence in his handling of a deep and varied bullpen.
Smith Sets New Career Highs
Offensively, Smith has surpassed previous career marks. His weighted on-base average (wOBA) of .410 ranks among the best in the majors, and his expected wOBA (xwOBA) of .393 suggests his performance is not only impressive but sustainable. He’s hitting harder than ever, demonstrating improved bat speed, contact quality, and plate discipline, all indicators pointing toward continued success.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has taken notice. “He’s all-in for whatever we ask of him and appreciates the fact when he does get days off, it’s a benefit,” Roberts said. “I think having a good, healthy, fresh Will, we’re seeing the benefits.”
Smith’s steady production contrasts with the fluctuating performances of Betts and Freeman, both of whom have faced slumps this season. While Betts even missed an All-Star appearance for the first time since 2015, Smith earned his third consecutive selection, reinforcing his status as a cornerstone of the Dodgers lineup.
Despite being overshadowed, Smith has quietly climbed into the top tier of offensive performers. His 171 weighted runs created plus (wRC+) ranks second in MLB, trailing only Aaron Judge. Meanwhile, his .969 OPS sits just behind Judge, Ohtani, and Raleigh.
Smith’s consistency is notable given his previous history of second-half fade. In 2023 and 2024, his OPS and wRC+ declined significantly after the All-Star break. However, early indications this season show Smith maintaining, and even slightly improving, his first-half form.
It’s a season that demands recognition — not just as a “good year” but as one of the best offensive campaigns ever by a catcher. With his blend of contact ability, power, discipline, and defensive leadership, Will Smith is making a strong case for National League MVP consideration.
As the Dodgers push toward October, Smith could prove to be a decisive factor. While postseason performance doesn’t influence MVP voting, his ability to carry this momentum into the playoffs would only solidify his standing as one of the league’s premier players.
The last catcher to win an MVP was Joe Mauer in 2009. Given Smith’s numbers, leadership, and steady presence amid a star-studded roster, it’s high time his contributions get the credit they deserve.