Will Smith, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ All-Star catcher, is grappling with a persistent ankle injury that has raised concerns about his performance as the new season approaches. The bone bruise in Smith’s left ankle, which he sustained during a game against the New York Yankees in June of last year, has lingered despite his remarkable resilience. Smith played a personal record of 117 games last season, yet the discomfort from the injury did not fully subside during the offseason, prompting ongoing monitoring and treatment by the coaching staff.   In recent statements, Smith has clarified that while the injury was never debilitating, it remained a nuisance, with pain levels fluctuating throughout the past season. Daily treatments and a focus on rest during the offseason were employed in an effort to facilitate recovery. However, the issue resurfaced during his Cactus League debut, leading the Dodgers’ medical team to investigate the reasons behind the persistent pain, as many bone bruises can take considerable time to heal.   Despite these physical challenges, Smith started the 2024 season on a high note after securing a lucrative 10-year contract extension worth $140 million. He showcased impressive offensive skills, boasting a .347 batting average and a .929 OPS in his first 30 games. Unfortunately, his performance took a downturn in the second half of the season, culminating in a career-low .247 batting average and disappointing postseason statistics, including only five home runs in 48 games. While Smith did not directly attribute his decline to the ankle injury, he acknowledged that it may have influenced his hitting.   Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has echoed this sentiment, suggesting that the injury could have affected Smith’s swing mechanics, leading to missed pitches that would typically be within his reach. As the 2025 season approaches, Smith is focusing on refining his batting technique to regain the production levels he demonstrated earlier in the previous year. He aims to implement specific adjustments to his mechanics in hopes of ensuring a more consistent performance throughout the upcoming season.   As the Dodgers continue to monitor Smith’s recovery, fans remain hopeful that he will overcome this setback and return to being a standout player for the team. The situation highlights the delicate balance athletes must maintain between managing injuries and performing at their peak. With the new season around the corner, the baseball community is eager to see how Smith’s journey unfolds and whether he can reclaim his position among the league’s elite catchers.    

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