Former Dodgers catcher clearly chose revenge as new landing spot emerges

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“Former Dodgers catcher clearly chose revenge as new landing spot emerges.”

Former Dodgers Catcher Clearly Chose Revenge as New Landing Spot Emerges

In a move that has stirred both intrigue and animosity across Major League Baseball, former Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith—long viewed as a franchise cornerstone behind the plate—has officially signed with a new team. But this isn’t just a free agency decision. This is personal.

Sources confirmed Tuesday that Smith, who became a free agent following the 2025 season, has agreed to a 5-year, $112 million contract with the San Diego Padres—the Dodgers’ bitter NL West rivals. The signing not only represents a stunning blow to L.A.’s roster plans, but it also sends a resounding message: Will Smith hasn’t forgotten how things ended in Los Angeles.

The deal came together quickly, but the undercurrents leading to it have been brewing for months. According to multiple insiders, Smith felt undervalued and overlooked during his final two seasons with the Dodgers, particularly after the 2024 arrival of superstar Shohei Ohtani and the organizational pivot to younger, more versatile options behind the plate.

While the Dodgers publicly praised Smith’s leadership and consistency, their actions told a different story. Contract extension talks stalled in early 2024, and by midseason, it became apparent that the front office was preparing for a post-Smith future. The emergence of top catching prospect Dalton Rushing, combined with increased playing time given to backup Austin Barnes and a platoon-style approach late in 2025, further strained the relationship.

Now, Smith has taken matters into his own hands—and into enemy territory.

“I wanted to go somewhere I was truly wanted, somewhere I could compete and lead,” Smith said during his introductory press conference in San Diego. “The Padres showed belief in me from Day 1. They didn’t just talk about it—they backed it up.”

When asked directly about the Dodgers, Smith was diplomatic but firm. “I gave them everything I had. I’m proud of my time there. But I’ve moved on. This is about winning—and we’re going to compete with the best.”

Make no mistake: this move is steeped in revenge. The Padres and Dodgers have clashed repeatedly over the past few seasons, both on the field and in the media. Despite the Dodgers’ dominant record during Smith’s tenure, it was the Padres who eliminated L.A. in the 2022 NLDS and have remained a constant thorn in the franchise’s side. Now, the rivalry takes on a more personal edge.

Smith joins a revamped Padres lineup that already features Fernando Tatís Jr., Xander Bogaerts, and rising star Jackson Merrill. With former Yankees manager Aaron Boone now at the helm and a renewed commitment from ownership, San Diego is clearly signaling it has no interest in rebuilding. Instead, they’re investing in leadership, experience, and fire—and Smith brings all three.

In his final season with the Dodgers, Smith hit .272 with 21 home runs and 81 RBIs, continuing his trend of consistent, well-rounded production. He’s also regarded as one of the league’s best pitch-framers and game-callers, making him a valuable presence not just in the batter’s box but behind the plate with an emerging pitching staff.

More notably, Smith’s durability has separated him from many of his peers. Since becoming the full-time starter in 2020, he has averaged 125+ games a year while maintaining high defensive metrics and top-tier offensive numbers for his position. And yet, the Dodgers never offered more than a three-year extension, reportedly falling short of the $80 million mark—well below what comparable catchers have received in recent years.

According to league sources, Smith took the perceived disrespect personally.

“He was tired of waiting for the Dodgers to prioritize him,” said one NL executive. “And once he hit the open market, the Padres pounced. They pitched him not just on money, but on revenge—on helping them take down L.A.”

The Padres’ pitch worked. They emphasized Smith’s leadership qualities, presented a detailed usage plan to protect his longevity, and offered him the No. 3 spot in the lineup. With longtime Padres catcher Luis Campusano heading to Boston in a separate trade, the path was clear for Smith to become the everyday leader behind the plate.

Padres GM A.J. Preller called Smith’s signing a “culture-defining” move.

“We’re thrilled to bring in a player of Will’s caliber,” Preller said. “His competitiveness, his professionalism, and his championship pedigree are exactly what this team needs.”

The reaction from Dodgers fans has been swift and emotional. Many took to social media expressing shock and disappointment—not just that Smith left, but that he would choose San Diego of all places. For a fanbase that saw Smith as one of the quieter, more reserved members of the clubhouse, this decision unveiled a layer of intensity many didn’t expect.

But those who know him well say it’s entirely in character.

“Will doesn’t talk a lot, but he remembers everything,” said a former Dodgers teammate. “He’s a competitor. And I guarantee he’s had this circled since the middle of last year.”

Smith’s departure also raises significant questions about the Dodgers’ catcher position moving forward. While Dalton Rushing is viewed as a future star, he has only 35 MLB games under his belt and struggled at times behind the plate. Austin Barnes, now 35, is in the twilight of his career. L.A. could still explore the trade market or free agency for another veteran backstop, but replacing Smith’s reliability will not be easy.

Internally, the Dodgers have not commented on the signing. President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman issued a brief statement thanking Smith for his contributions and wishing him well. But within the clubhouse, players are said to be disappointed—especially longtime teammates like Mookie Betts and Max Muncy, who shared close bonds with Smith.

“He was the glue guy,” one Dodgers staffer said. “Always prepared, always professional. Losing him to the Padres just hits different.”

As for Smith, he’s already focused on what’s next. When asked about the upcoming matchups between the Padres and Dodgers—particularly the season-opening series in April at Dodger Stadium—he smiled subtly.

“I’m just focused on helping my team win,” he said. “But I know when and where we play them. Trust me.”

In a sport often criticized for its lack of emotional narratives, Will Smith’s move brings a rare jolt of electricity. This isn’t just about numbers. It’s about being heard. Being believed in. And, perhaps most of all, about proving someone wrong.

For the Dodgers, it’s the end of an era. For the Padres, it might be the beginning of one. And for Will Smith, it’s payback season—with every at-bat, every throw to second, every game behind the plate against his former team now layered with purpose.

He’s no longer the quiet, underrated Dodger. He’s the fire-breathing Padre with something to prove. And the whole baseball world will be watching when he does.