Dodgers and Will Smith finalize record-breaking deal extension: report.
Los Angeles — The Los Angeles Dodgers are reportedly going all in after signing catcher Will Smith to a 10-year, $140 million deal extension.
According to reports, some money would be deferred, although the exact amount is uncertain.
Smith becomes the fourth Dodger to be signed through at least 2032, joining Mookie Betts, Shohei Ohtani, and Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
Smith’s contract will be the longest ever given to a catcher, exceeding the eight-year contracts given to Buster Posey, Joe Mauer, and Keibert Ruiz (the San Francisco Giants used Posey’s club option to extend it to nine years).
It will also be the third-highest ever paid to a backstop, after only Joe Mauer’s $184 million and Posey’s $167 million.
Smith, a former first-round draft pick from Louisville, made his Major League debut in 201 and made his first MLB All-Star Game appearance last season.
Smith will turn 29 on Thursday, which, aside from the Dodgers-Padres series in Seoul, is Opening Day in Major League Baseball.
Dodgers move Mookie Betts to shortstop; Roberts insists the swap is permanent.
GLENDALE, Arizona (AP) Mookie Betts has already switched positions in the Los Angeles Dodgers’ infield, shifting from second base to shortstop.
Los Angeles had planned for the six-time Gold Glove and seven-time All-Star outfielder to play second base on a regular basis, but he was moved to shortstop for Friday night’s spring training game against Cincinnati. Manager Dave Roberts declared the switch “permanent, for the time being” 12 days before the start.
Expected shortstop Gavin Lux has struggled in the field, particularly with short hop throws to first base. The Dodgers shifted the 26-year-old back to second base, where he made 153 starts over four years. Last year, Lux was given the opportunity to be the Dodgers’ shortstop.
