Dodgers' Will Smith nearing MLB record after latest walk-off HR

Smith's latest pinch-hit walk-off homer gives him four since 2019. In fact, he's the only Dodgers pinch-hitter to hit a walk-off during that span. Smith is just two back of former American League MVP Jason Giambi for the MLB record. 

"That's pretty cool," Smith said to reporters after the game. "It's always [being] ready to go. Not checking out of the game early or whatever. Just doing what you can, just being ready for that spot."

But while Smith's improbable heroics are amazing, they aren't as surprising as they may seem. Catchers do tend to earn pinch-hit at-bats, mostly because they need more off days than most other players. The grind of the position warranted an occasional rest, often on Sundays to close a weekend series. 

However, it makes sense to still give a catcher with as much pop as Smith a pinch-hit opportunity late in a close game. 

And of course, Smith is no stranger to hitting home runs. He now has 127 in six years and 17 on the season so far. He's reached at least 20 in three of the past four years, with his only sub-20 campaign being one shy at 19. 

Smith is simply one of the best hitting catchers in baseball, carrying a .293 average with 60 RBI and an on-base percentage of .404. His current 4.3 WAR (wins above replacement) for the 2025 season would be his best for a single season. 

A two-time World Series champion, Smith has come up clutch in the postseason as well. He has eight long balls and 29 RBI in 57 playoff games so far in his career. 

Most notably, Smith recorded 13 RBI in the playoffs during the Dodgers' championship run in the COVID-19-shortened 2020 and hit .417 in the 2023 postseason. 

It's getting to the point that opposing managers may think about just walking a rested Smith with a base open if they see him step up to the plate as a pinch-hitter in the bottom of the ninth or in extra innings.