MLB Network’s Greg Amsinger released his ranking of the top nine catchers in MLB, and it’s no surprise that a Dodger made the list.
It wasn’t Will Smith, though, despite three World Series championships, three All-Star appearances and two All-MLB selections.
It was his backup, Dalton Rushing.
Why did MLB Network pick Dalton Rushing over Will Smith?
First, let’s get to what Amsinger said.
“Look at the numbers. OPS is over 1.000, and you go, ‘Wait a minute, how is he not top five, Greg?’ Well, of his 21 games, he’s only caught 13 times, so I really had to take that into consideration. Huge fan of the fiery youngster, but he’s only No. 9 on Greg’s list.”
Jul 22, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith (16) in the dugout during the game against the Minnesota Twins at Dodger Stadium.
Naturally, Dodgers fans were quick to chime in, as were fans of Cal Raleigh and Alejandro Kirk, who were also left off the list.
“Will Smith is the best catcher in baseball,” wrote @cali8059.
“Kirk, Smith and Raleigh? Are you kidding me, trash list,” added @MattShel1989.
Comparing Will Smith and Dalton Rushing
In a world without Smith, Rushing definitely warrants consideration.
He’s slashing .302/.371/.667/1.038 with seven home runs and 17 RBIs in his 21 games this season.
Those figures outdo Smith, who’s slashing .270/.336/.374/.710 with three home runs and 16 RBIs in 34 games in 2026.
What Amsinger appears to be disregarding, though, is defense.
Baseball Savant indicates that Rushing’s pop time is 0.05 seconds faster and slightly better at catching stealing runners, but otherwise, Smith is the better defender, especially in framing pitches and blocking past balls and wild pitches.
As Amsinger noted, Rushing has only gotten 13 games behind home plate in 2026, and it’s likely he could improve further with more opportunities.
The problem, though, is that the Dodgers already have an elite catcher in Smith, who again has three World Series titles and has been an All-Star for three straight years.
He also hit the game-winning home run in Game 7 of the 2025 World Series.
So yes, through the first quarter or so of the 2026 regular season, Dalton Rushing is performing better than Will Smith at the plate.
But as a catcher, a veteran presence and a leader in the clubhouse, Smith definitely has the edge over the younger Rushing.
Do you think Will Smith belongs on the MLB Network list.
