On Wednesday, March 27, 2024, catcher Will Smith secured his future with the Los Angeles Dodgers by signing a groundbreaking contract extension. The deal spans 10 years and is valued at $160 million, setting a new record for catchers in baseball.
Smith, 29, is fresh off a solid 2023 season where he appeared in 126 of the team’s 162 games. He posted a .261 batting average, which ranked fourth in the majors among qualifying catchers, to go along with 19 home runs (tied for 11th) and 76 RBIs (fifth). His defensive prowess was also evident, throwing out 19 baserunners, a performance that tied him for 10th in the league.
While not the most expensive deal for a catcher, this contract distinguishes itself with its remarkable 10-year duration and a hefty signing bonus of $30 million.
The decision to commit to a 10-year deal with Smith, who turned 29 the day after this contract was signed, is a bold move by LA considering the physical demands of the catcher position. Only time will tell if this investment pays off for the team.
When compared to some of the largest catcher contracts in history, Smith’s will last longer in terms of age than others, but it boasts the most team-friendly annual salary.
The previous largest contract for the position was awarded to the all-time great Joe Mauer in 2011: an eight-year, $184 million deal, with an annual salary of $23 million. He signed it at 26, which carried him through his age-35 season. Mauer coincidentally retired at the end of his contract.
The second-biggest contract went to another all-time legend, Buster Posey: $18.6 million per year over nine years, totaling $167 million. Like Mauer, Posey’s deal extended until he was 35, which was also when he also retired.
The largest contract for an active catcher was held by J.T. Realmuto, who inked a $115.5 million deal with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2021. However, the contract only spans five years, concluding when he reaches age 34.
Photo Cred: Los Angeles Times
While Smith’s relatively low annual salary may benefit Los Angeles, the commitment to him until a very old age raises concerns. The lengthy contract virtually guarantees him the starting job for the next decade, limiting opportunities for future Dodgers catching prospects.
Another significant aspect of this deal is the pedigree of the players who received similar contracts. At the time of their signings, Mauer, Posey, and Realmuto had already established themselves as premier catchers with numerous accolades.
Posey was the Rookie of the Year in 2010, NL MVP in 2012, and held seven other significant awards and accomplishments. His impressive resume also features two World Series titles in 2010 and 2012! As for Mauer, his accomplishments surpassed those of his counterparts. He won AL MVP in 2009, led the AL in batting average thrice (2006, 2008-09), was a three-time All-Star (2006, 2008-09), a two-time Gold Glove (2008-09), and a three-time Silver Slugger (2006, 2008-09).
Before signing his own contract, Realmuto had already earned two All-Star nods (2018-19), a Gold Glove (2019), and two Silver Sluggers. He even managed to land on the All-MLB First Team in 2019. In comparison, Smith’s accolades are fewer, with only one All-Star appearance (2023) and a spot on the All-MLB Second Team in 2022 throughout his six seasons in the league, including 2024. However, he did contribute to a World Series victory in 2020.
Photo Cred: San Francisco Chronicle (L- Mauer, R- Posey)
A 10-year contract for a player approaching 30 with only one All-Star selection is highly unusual, particularly for catchers who typically have shorter careers, especially behind the plate. Posey and Mauer transitioned to first base at some point in their careers, with Mauer notably becoming the Minnesota Twins’ permanent first baseman from 2013-18. Committing to a player who may not fulfill the entirety of such a lengthy contract poses a significant risk for any team.
However, the contract offers advantages for both parties. Smith’s versatility, having played other positions during his development in the Dodgers system, provides flexibility. He has experience at second and third base, suggesting he could slip into another position as his catching abilities decline. Regardless, if his offensive performance declines, the Dodgers would still be paying Smith $14 million a year.
Smith started his contract on Opening Day for the Dodgers in 2024, which extends through the end of the 2033 season.
Photo Cred: FanGraphs Baseball
