Fantasy Baseball Player Notes

Will Smith rebounded in 2025 with one of the most efficient offensive seasons of his career, slashing .296/.404/.497 with a 152 OPS+ across 110 games. His underlying metrics fully supported the surge: a career-best 91.3 mph average exit velocity, 47.1% hard-hit rate, and .387 rOBA, while his walk rate jumped to 14.7% — well above league average and his career norm. The improved plate discipline helped offset a modest 20.4% strikeout rate, and his .345 BABIP wasn't entirely fluky given the quality of contact. Looking ahead to 2026, projections peg some batting average regression but maintain him as an elite offensive catcher thanks to stable power (mid-20s HR pace over a full season) and strong OBP skills in the middle of a loaded Dodgers lineup. His consistent fly-ball mix and above-average pull tendencies keep the power floor intact, while his role remains secure even with periodic DH days to preserve health. Smith should be drafted as a top-tier catcher in all formats, with OBP leagues especially benefiting from his elevated walk rate and run-production environment.