Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith will represent Team USA in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, placing him once again on an international stage where elite talent, national pride, and postseason-level intensity converge.

Smith’s selection carries added intrigue because he could find himself behind the plate for two of baseball’s most electric arms, Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes and Detroit Tigers star Tarik Skubal.

Both Skenes and Skubal are coming off Cy Young–caliber seasons, cementing their reputations as dominant frontline starters capable of overpowering hitters with velocity, command, and advanced pitch sequencing.

For pitchers of that caliber, the catcher’s presence is more than symbolic, as game-calling precision, pitch framing, and in-game adjustments often determine whether elite stuff translates into elite results.

Smith brings postseason experience, All-Star credentials, and a steady defensive presence that should provide stability for Team USA’s pitching staff during what will effectively feel like playoff baseball from the first pitch.

Interestingly, Smith already developed familiarity with Skenes after catching him in last year’s All-Star Game, an experience that may ease the transition into the heightened pressure of the World Baseball Classic.

“[Team USA has] got Skenes and Skubal, the last Cy Young winners,” Smith told reporters on February 22, reflecting clear excitement about working with two pitchers widely regarded as the future faces of American pitching.

“I got to catch Skenes in the All-Star game last year, so looking forward to keeping that going a little bit,” Smith added, emphasizing the comfort level that already exists between himself and the Pirates’ phenom.

When discussing Skubal, Smith offered a candid admission that underscored both humility and competitive respect, acknowledging that the Tigers’ ace has previously gotten the better of him at the plate.

“I’ve faced him several times, not done well, so I hope it will help me on that side,” Smith said, suggesting that working alongside Skubal could provide insight into how to approach him in future matchups.

While Smith’s defensive responsibilities will be significant, playing time remains an open question, as Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh is also expected to compete for innings behind the plate.

Raleigh, known for his power and defensive improvements, will likely split catching duties, creating an internal competition that could depend on matchups, pitcher preferences, and tournament flow.

For Team USA manager and coaching staff, the luxury of rotating two high-level catchers provides flexibility and rest during a condensed tournament schedule where fatigue management becomes critical.

Beyond the pitching battery, Smith will also reunite with a franchise legend who has decided to extend his career for one final international opportunity.

Clayton Kershaw, a longtime Dodgers icon, is pausing retirement plans to join Team USA in pursuit of a World Baseball Classic gold medal, adding emotional weight to the roster.

Kershaw was unable to participate in previous tournaments, making this opportunity particularly meaningful for the veteran left-hander who has already built a Hall of Fame résumé at the major-league level.

“I know he’s excited about it,” Smith said of Kershaw. “I’m excited he’s gonna be able to join us. I know he was bummed he couldn’t last time.”

For Smith, the chance to share a dugout with Kershaw on the international stage represents both a professional honor and a personal moment, given their years of shared postseason battles in Los Angeles.

“Trying to win a gold medal,” Smith concluded, summarizing Team USA’s collective mindset heading into a tournament where expectations will be nothing short of championship-or-bust.

Team USA will not be the only powerhouse in the tournament, as Team Japan enters as defending champions with superstar Shohei Ohtani once again on its roster.

However, the Dodgers have clarified that Ohtani’s role will be limited strictly to designated hitter duties, as the organization remains cautious about his pitching workload following recent surgery.

Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman explained that the decision was rooted in long-term planning rather than short-term competitive concerns.

“With Sho, he’s going there to DH,” Friedman told reporters, emphasizing that Ohtani will not pitch during the tournament to avoid an accelerated ramp-up following a deep October workload.

Friedman elaborated that the Dodgers envision Ohtani contributing significantly on the mound throughout the upcoming MLB season and potentially deep into another postseason run.

“We have designs of playing through October this year, with Sho being a big part of that on the mound,” Friedman said, highlighting the organizational priority of sustainable performance over short-term international glory.

While acknowledging that Ohtani’s competitive instincts might resist such restrictions, Friedman indicated that the two sides reached mutual understanding about balancing ambition with long-term health.

“The competitor in him doesn’t love it, but he understood it,” Friedman said, reinforcing the careful collaboration between player and organization.

Smith’s media availability also included praise for new Dodgers addition Kyle Tucker, whose arrival adds significant offensive firepower to an already stacked Los Angeles lineup.

“I’ve seen him for six, seven years now,” Smith said, reflecting on years of facing Tucker as an opponent before now sharing a clubhouse with him.

“[Tucker is] a good player. I’m glad he’s with us,” Smith continued, pointing to Tucker’s disciplined approach, power profile, and advanced feel for the strike zone.

Smith highlighted Tucker’s versatility as well, noting his defensive reliability and baserunning ability as traits that elevate him beyond being simply a middle-of-the-order bat.

“He’s got power, he’s a good outfielder, steals bases. Just a really, really good player,” Smith said, projecting confidence in Tucker’s ability to help Los Angeles chase another championship.

With the World Baseball Classic approaching and the Dodgers simultaneously preparing for another postseason pursuit, Smith stands at the intersection of international ambition and club-level excellence.

Between catching Cy Young winners, supporting a legendary pitcher’s final run, navigating shared time behind the plate, and anchoring a star-studded Dodgers lineup, 2026 promises to be one of the most demanding and defining seasons of his career.

If Smith delivers both defensively and offensively on those stages, his reputation as one of baseball’s most complete catchers will only continue to grow, fueled by elite pitching partnerships and championship expectations.

For now, though, his focus remains clear: represent his country, guide elite arms, and chase gold before returning to Los Angeles with unfinished business still looming in October.