Arizona Fall League: Glendale Desert Dogs Prospect Report

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LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 01: The Houston Astros celebrate defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers 5-1 in game seven to win the 2017 World Series at Dodger Stadium on November 1, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /

Prospect on the Rise: Will Smith (LAD)

Stats: .367 AVG, 7 R, HR, 11 RBI, 5 BB

Move over Fresh Prince, another Will Smith is on his way to Los Angeles.

When the Dodgers drafted University of Louisville catcher Will Smith with the 32nd overall pick in the 2016 MLB Draft, general manager Farhan Zaidi was filling an organization void.

Following the departure of Russell Martin, Los Angeles has failed to find a long-term fit who can produce offensively at backstop. Since 2011, the Dodgers have had just one season in which an Opening Day catcher carried a batting average over .269 (A.J. Ellis in 2012).

Even with the acquisition of Yasmani Grandal, the position has been unproductive, outside of home runs.

Will Smith looks to break the trend.

Smith, who reached High-A Rancho Cucamonga within his first professional season, is piecing together a clutch campaign this October. The 6’0″ Kentucky native is batting .467 in 15 at-bats with runners in scoring position — a drastic improvement from his .217 mark in the California League.

While his power was on display in a small MiLB sample size — Smith was on pace to hit 22 home runs, he has just one home run thus far. Nevertheless, he is showcasing a knack for extra-base hits in the AFL, leading his squad with six.

Plate discipline remains an area of concern for the 22-year old. Smith struck out 24.7 percent of his plate appearances during the 2017 regular season and has whiffed 29.1 percent in Arizona.

Regardless, there is no questioning his ability after the last four weeks.

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