In a transfer signaling their unwavering dedication to constructing a championship-caliber staff, the Los Angeles Dodgers have solidified their future by locking in star catcher Will Smith to a monumental 10-year contract extension.
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Will Smith turns into longest-tenured catcher in MLB historical past
The deal, reportedly price $140 million, marks a historic milestone for the Dodgers group and for Smith, making it the longest time period for a catcher’s contract in MLB historical past.
The Dodgers, famend for his or her strategic long-term planning, have made it clear that they see Smith as an integral a part of their core lineup for the foreseeable future.
With this unprecedented contract extension, the staff is doubling down on their ambition to clinch a number of championships within the coming years.
Smith’s new deal features a substantial $30 million signing bonus, with funds scheduled over the subsequent few months.
Moreover, a portion of deferred compensation, amounting to $5 million per season, shall be disbursed yearly between 2034 and 2043, based on sources near the negotiations.
Smith’s contract units a brand new benchmark for catchers, surpassing earlier report offers equivalent to Buster Posey’s nine-year, $167 million contract with the San Francisco Giants and Joe Mauer’s eight-year, $184 million extension with the Minnesota Twins.
Smith cements standing as top-tier catcher
Smith, a 28-year-old standout, has constantly showcased his prowess on the sphere, averaging 23 house runs with a powerful .820 OPS over the previous three seasons.
His stellar efficiency earned him a spot within the prestigious All-Star Sport in 2023, solidifying his standing as one of many league’s high catchers.
Expressing his enthusiasm concerning the extension, Smith remarked,
“I’ve beloved being right here since I obtained drafted in 2016. I do not assume I’d be the participant I’m with out being right here. So for me to most likely end my profession a Dodger means loads.”
Dodgers president of baseball operations, Andrew Friedman, emphasised the staff’s dedication to retaining Smith, stating, “It’s one thing that has been on high of our to-do record, was to determine the right way to preserve Will and [his wife] Cara within the Dodgers household for so far as we are able to see out.”
With Smith now firmly entrenched of their lineup, the Dodgers are poised for continued success. As they gear up for the upcoming season, the staff anticipates Smith to play a pivotal position because the linchpin behind MVP-caliber gamers like Mookie Betts, Shohei Ohtani, and Freddie Freeman.
