Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts Declares Will Smith the Best Catcher in Baseball, Over Mariners Star Cal Raleigh..see more…
In a bold and headline-making statement, Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has ignited debate across Major League Baseball by declaring that his catcher, Will Smith, is the best catcher in the sport today — even ranking him above Seattle Mariners sensation Cal Raleigh. While Roberts made clear that his opinion might be seen as biased, he stood firm in his assessment, sparking a passionate discussion among fans, analysts, and former players.
Will Smith is the best catcher in baseball,” Roberts told reporters during a recent pregame media session. “There are a lot of great catchers out there, but when you combine what he does at the plate, behind the dish, and in the clubhouse — I’ll take him over anyone.
Smith, now in his sixth MLB season, has been a vital part of the Dodgers’ consistent success. In 2025, he’s having one of the best offensive years of his career. Batting over .325 with an OPS nearing .970, Smith has emerged as both a contact and clutch hitter. He’s shown an uncanny ability to deliver in late-game situations, including a dramatic pinch-hit walk-off home run earlier this season that added to his growing legend in Los Angeles.
Beyond his bat, Roberts also praised Smith’s leadership and game-calling — traits often overlooked when judging catchers based solely on power numbers.
But standing across the conversation is Cal Raleigh, the Mariners’ power-hitting backstop who is putting together a historic 2025 campaign. Nicknamed “Big Dumper,” Raleigh leads all MLB catchers in home runs and RBIs this season, becoming the first switch-hitting catcher in history to hit 30 home runs before the All-Star break. He has also racked up Gold Glove and Platinum Glove awards, establishing himself as one of the game’s premier defenders behind the plate.
Where Smith offers a more balanced offensive approach with contact and consistency, Raleigh brings explosive power. His .305 average, coupled with an OPS over 1.040, makes him one of the most feared hitters in any lineup. Defensively, Raleigh also holds a major edge in pitch framing and throwing efficiency. Statcast metrics place Raleigh in the top 10 percentile for pitch framing, while Smith lags behind in that area.
Despite those differences, Roberts’ statement reflects more than just stats — it represents trust, experience, and the value of intangibles.
He handles our pitchers as well as anyone,” Roberts added. “You look at how he works with young guys, how he takes care of the staff, and it’s not always visible in the box score, but it matters.
Fans on both coasts have taken to social media to argue their side. Dodgers fans see Smith as an All-Star mainstay and a key reason for the team’s playoff consistency. Mariners supporters view Raleigh as the future of the franchise — a homegrown star with leadership and swagger, capable of carrying Seattle deep into October.
Baseball analysts remain split, with some valuing Smith’s overall polish and maturity, and others dazzled by Raleigh’s power and defensive metrics.
As the 2025 All-Star Game approaches, both players are likely to represent their respective leagues — perhaps even side-by-side on the national stage. While statistics will continue to feed the debate, Roberts’ statement is a testament to Will Smith’s quiet dominance and consistency at one of the most demanding positions in baseball.
In a game where numbers dominate headlines, Dave Roberts’ firm endorsement serves as a reminder: sometimes the best player isn’t just defined by stats — but by trust, leadership, and doing everything
right, every single day.