Dodgers catcher Will Smith is currently enjoying a standout 2025 season, leading the National League in batting average while maintaining a position as a consistent, if occasionally overlooked, star. Despite his performance as a three-time All-Star and a primary contributor for Los Angeles, he continues to operate outside the intense media spotlight reserved for teammates like Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman.
Why is Will Smith’s performance often overlooked?
According to Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, Smith is a player who provides consistent production that is not always fully appreciated by the broader public. Entering the All-Star break on July 15, 2025, the 30-year-old catcher held a significant lead in the NL batting race with a .323 average. This mark placed him 26 points ahead of his closest qualified competitor, teammate Freddie Freeman. In addition to his batting title contention, Smith recorded 12 home runs and 46 RBIs during the first half of the season.
How does the All-Star media hierarchy reflect player status?
The disparity in media attention was evident during the July 15, 2025, All-Star Game media day in Atlanta. While high-profile Dodgers representatives like Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, and Clayton Kershaw were positioned in the front row with retractable ropes to manage large crowds of reporters, Smith sat several feet behind them in the shadows of a balcony. While Yamamoto, the Dodgers’ pitcher, also sat in this secondary area, his media contingent was notably larger than Smith’s, which rarely exceeded a few reporters.
What is the outlook for the remainder of the 2025 season?
Smith remains a key component of the Dodgers’ roster as the team moves past the All-Star break. His ability to maintain a high batting average while managing the physical demands of the catcher position has solidified his role as a starter for the National League. While he occupies a quieter space in the sport’s public consciousness compared to his superstar teammates, his statistical output suggests he remains a central figure in the Dodgers’ competitive efforts for the remainder of the year.
Key Takeaways
- Will Smith entered the 2025 All-Star break leading the National League in batting average at .323.
- Smith’s performance leads the next closest qualified NL hitter by 26 points.
- Despite being a three-time All-Star, Smith continues to receive less media attention than several of his Dodgers teammates.
- Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has publicly noted that Smith’s consistent contributions are frequently undervalued.