The defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers are once again a powerhouse. They have a 58-39 record, leading the National League West. They are the result of two outstanding offensive forces. On one side is the global icon Shohei Ohtani, who is having another MVP-level season with 32 homers and a ridiculous .987 OPS. On the other is a homegrown star catcher quietly putting together a career year, having the best batting average in the whole National League with .323 and 12 home runs.
That catcher is Will Smith. He has shown in 2025 that he is one of the best in the game. He made his third straight All-Star selection, but it was his first start. His biggest supporter has been his manager, Dave Roberts. When asked how Smith compares to other top catchers, Roberts didn’t mince words. “Well, I’m biased, No. 1. I just think that his ability to get a big hit, I think that the throwing, I think what he does with our pitchers… so that’s for me”. As for Smith’s clutch play, Roberts believes, “He’s big in big moments, he definitely has the clutch gene.” The skipper’s belief in his star catcher recently set the stage for a legendary clubhouse moment.
During an exclusive interview with Japanese media outlet Abema, Roberts recalled a humorous clubhouse exchange. On a day Smith had to rest, a left-handed pitcher entered the game. The next scheduled hitter was Ohtani, but Smith had other ideas. He approached Roverts with a self-assured appeal. “Hey, Doc! ‘Why don’t you use me as a pinch hitter for Shohei?”
Roberts said he smiled and denied the bold request. “I told him, ‘You’re off! I’ll have Shohei bat!’” he added.
Apr 23, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) celebrates with Dodgers catcher Will Smith (16) after hitting a solo home run against the Washington Nationals during the ninth inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Although it was certainly a bold request, Roberts had sound baseball logic in mind when he chose to make it. The pitcher he was facing was a left-hander. Ohtani, a lefty hitter, would have been at a disadvantage in a lefty-on-lefty matchup. But it’s Shohei, right? His numbers are great against southpaws with a career .892 OPS, though his numbers are otherworldly against right-handers. The manager’s decision was a classic baseball move.
This moment of friendly clubhouse banter reveals a deeper truth about the team’s culture and its leader.
Dave Roberts’ doctrine: A foundation of trust
Many attributes come together for Dave Robert to excel, but communication and trust play key roles. Star outfielder Teoscar Hernandez praised his manager’s methods after the team won the championship in 2024. “His communication with his players … is one of the best that I had in my career,” Hernandez noted. “And I think that’s why he’s so special for this team.” And Hernandez wasn’t alone in the praise. Mookie Betts celebrated his manager after the 2024 World Series victory. “Doc is the best, man. Doc never lost confidence in anybody in here. And no matter what we went through, he was always positive,” Betts said.
The clubhouse culture strengthens a roster that is loaded with talent. Veteran first baseman Freddie Freeman has been a model of consistency. He joined Smith and Ohtani as an All-Star starter and is hitting a solid .297 with 10 home runs. However, other stars have faced challenges. Perennial All-Star Betts has had a tough year by his standards, with his batting average hovering around .244.
Hernández’s 14 home runs this season illustrate his potential, but it’s clear that he is still working through some inconsistency issues. At the same time, the pitchers have had their own unique set of challenges to deal with. The rotation features an immense collection of aces, including Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Tyler Glasnow. Unfortunately, their depth has faced numerous injuries and other challenges this season, which puts a lot more strain on the offense to deliver.
Ultimately, the story of Will Smith’s “bold request” is not one of ego or disrespect. It is a perfect snapshot of a winning culture. It is a clubhouse where every player, homegrown and $700 million icon, is overflowing with the confidence that he’s the right man for the job.
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