Will Smith Feels Like a Leader in the Dodgers Clubhouse

Taking it to that extra gear in season five.

It's no secret that the Dodgers clubhouse has taken a very different feel in 2023.

With the loss of Justin Turner this offseason, the Dodgers were losing the leader of their clubhouse, both on and off the field.

Entering the 2023 season, many wondered who would step up in Turner's absence.

Would it be Mookie Betts, the guy who's getting paid to be the face of the Dodgers for the next decade? Would it be Freddie Freeman, a natural leader who feels like he's been with the club for a decade already? Would it be someone like Max Muncy, who's spent his fair share of time with the club and is such a smart, well-spoken baseball mind?

The answer to all of these questions is yes, as many different guys have stepped up in the absence of Turner this season. However, the most interesting one that I don't think many people saw coming is the Dodgers' catcher, Will Smith.

The Dodgers' soon-to-be-All-Star catcher has been with Los Angeles for five seasons. Each year he's made great improvements, both at the plate and as a game-caller behind it.

He's quickly risen the ranks among the best catchers in baseball, but has done so in somewhat of a quiet manner.

Smith isn't someone who likes to talk, constantly giving off the vibes of SpongeBob in the episode where he turns normal. However, behind the scenes in the Dodgers clubhouse, Smith is far from quiet.

Smith recently caught up with Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic, and talked to him about his emergence as a leader in the Dodgers clubhouse. He seemed very proud to be one of the leaders on this team, doing it both with his words, but also with his play.

"I feel like I am (a leader)," Smith said. "I think it’s all of the above. It’s being a consistent player. Performing well obviously helps, but just being a consistent clubhouse guy every day. Not getting too high, not getting too low. Showing you’re willing to help any and everybody. Being there for whoever needs it. Picking guys up when they need it. Making sure guys are in line. Not forcing anything, but that’s leadership. Making sure everyone’s under one goal. It’s good to have several guys who can do that in several different ways."

Smith described leadership in a perfect way, and is clearly doing all those things for the Dodgers this season. On the field, Smith has been the most consistent hitter, posting every time he's in the lineup and acting as the catalyst for the Dodgers success.

Outside of his hitting, Smith has greatly improved his game managing behind the plate, and has become a calming force for the Dodgers pitchers — especially some of the younger ones.

And finally, like Smith said, he's just keeping a consistent attitude in the clubhouse. Baseball is a long, grueling season that's going to have its ups and downs. It's important for a team to have a guy they can look at to be that calming force, and it's nice to know Smith has taken that role upon himself.

Smith is well on his way to finally making his first All-Star team this season. He's establishing himself as not only of the best catchers in baseball, but also one of the best hitters.

On the field, we knew what we were getting with Smith. But it's nice for fans to know that he's also making a huge impact off the field and in the clubhouse too.