{"id":155600,"date":"2026-02-23T08:15:49","date_gmt":"2026-02-23T08:15:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=155600"},"modified":"2026-02-23T08:15:49","modified_gmt":"2026-02-23T08:15:49","slug":"%f0%9f%94%a5-report-tension-spikes-around-the-los-angeles-dodgers-as-will-smith-delivers-a-blunt-take-on-paul-skenes-and-tarik-skubal-igniting-fierce-debate-across-every-platform-while-insiders-sugge","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=155600","title":{"rendered":"\ud83d\udd25 REPORT tension spikes around the Los Angeles Dodgers as Will Smith delivers a blunt take on Paul Skenes and Tarik Skubal, igniting fierce debate across every platform while insiders suggest his candid words reveal how seriously the Dodgers are measuring elite arms as October expectations quietly build in the background..ll \ud83d\udc47\ud83d\udc47\ud83d\udc47"},"content":{"rendered":"<p data-start=\"470\" data-end=\"721\">Los Angeles Dodgers catcher <span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Will Smith<\/span><\/span> 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.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"723\" data-end=\"976\">Smith\u2019s selection carries added intrigue because he could find himself behind the plate for two of baseball\u2019s most electric arms, Pittsburgh Pirates ace <span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Paul Skenes<\/span><\/span> and Detroit Tigers star <span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Tarik Skubal<\/span><\/span>.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"978\" data-end=\"1187\">Both Skenes and Skubal are coming off Cy Young\u2013caliber seasons, cementing their reputations as dominant frontline starters capable of overpowering hitters with velocity, command, and advanced pitch sequencing.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1189\" data-end=\"1397\">For pitchers of that caliber, the catcher\u2019s presence is more than symbolic, as game-calling precision, pitch framing, and in-game adjustments often determine whether elite stuff translates into elite results.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1399\" data-end=\"1626\">Smith brings postseason experience, All-Star credentials, and a steady defensive presence that should provide stability for Team USA\u2019s pitching staff during what will effectively feel like playoff baseball from the first pitch.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1628\" data-end=\"1842\">Interestingly, Smith already developed familiarity with Skenes after catching him in last year\u2019s All-Star Game, an experience that may ease the transition into the heightened pressure of the World Baseball Classic.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1844\" data-end=\"2065\">\u201c[Team USA has] got Skenes and Skubal, the last Cy Young winners,\u201d Smith told reporters on February 22, reflecting clear excitement about working with two pitchers widely regarded as the future faces of American pitching.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2067\" data-end=\"2281\">\u201cI got to catch Skenes in the All-Star game last year, so looking forward to keeping that going a little bit,\u201d Smith added, emphasizing the comfort level that already exists between himself and the Pirates\u2019 phenom.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2283\" data-end=\"2484\">When discussing Skubal, Smith offered a candid admission that underscored both humility and competitive respect, acknowledging that the Tigers\u2019 ace has previously gotten the better of him at the plate.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2486\" data-end=\"2692\">\u201cI\u2019ve faced him several times, not done well, so I hope it will help me on that side,\u201d Smith said, suggesting that working alongside Skubal could provide insight into how to approach him in future matchups.<\/p>\n<div class=\"no-scrollbar flex min-h-36 flex-nowrap gap-0.5 overflow-auto sm:gap-1 sm:overflow-hidden xl:min-h-44 mt-1 mb-5 [&amp;:not(:first-child)]:mt-4\">\n<div class=\"border-token-border-default relative w-32 shrink-0 overflow-hidden rounded-xl border-[0.5px] md:shrink max-h-64 sm:w-[calc((100%-0.5rem)\/3)] rounded-s-xl\">\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"bg-token-main-surface-tertiary m-0 h-full w-full object-cover\" src=\"https:\/\/npr.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/5f3e967\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/7483x4989%2B0%2B0\/resize\/880x587%21\/quality\/90\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F93%2F43%2F95fccbe84632a32f667f66b8cc90%2Fap24170002529638.jpg\" alt=\"https:\/\/npr.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/5f3e967\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/7483x4989%2B0%2B0\/resize\/880x587%21\/quality\/90\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F93%2F43%2F95fccbe84632a32f667f66b8cc90%2Fap24170002529638.jpg\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"border-token-border-default relative w-32 shrink-0 overflow-hidden rounded-xl border-[0.5px] md:shrink max-h-64 sm:w-[calc((100%-0.5rem)\/3)]\">\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"bg-token-main-surface-tertiary m-0 h-full w-full object-cover\" src=\"https:\/\/images.openai.com\/static-rsc-3\/URoWiam4tzOBVsEkw11SRrZbW3DMuaRHTzYpN49AMBpNDRqKMsG3T-vIEcJ3C_YI3j7TBUWGSWldpNCqRGliCXosG-nFgk_riNKGIV9_wVE?purpose=fullsize&amp;v=1\" alt=\"https:\/\/images.openai.com\/static-rsc-3\/URoWiam4tzOBVsEkw11SRrZbW3DMuaRHTzYpN49AMBpNDRqKMsG3T-vIEcJ3C_YI3j7TBUWGSWldpNCqRGliCXosG-nFgk_riNKGIV9_wVE?purpose=fullsize&amp;v=1\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"border-token-border-default relative w-32 shrink-0 overflow-hidden rounded-xl border-[0.5px] md:shrink max-h-64 sm:w-[calc((100%-0.5rem)\/3)] rounded-e-xl\">\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"bg-token-main-surface-tertiary m-0 h-full w-full object-cover\" src=\"https:\/\/images.openai.com\/static-rsc-3\/4WZeHzS_UsqJ_WVOmouZgrGf-ruyYpU8Cui7ettaZ2x5B-EOTq3ACkQ5mEjtO0EZuFdOcg05gC5cQ6uDVZYdVjdBuwRP57WHrYrdqSJ2PIM?purpose=fullsize&amp;v=1\" alt=\"https:\/\/images.openai.com\/static-rsc-3\/4WZeHzS_UsqJ_WVOmouZgrGf-ruyYpU8Cui7ettaZ2x5B-EOTq3ACkQ5mEjtO0EZuFdOcg05gC5cQ6uDVZYdVjdBuwRP57WHrYrdqSJ2PIM?purpose=fullsize&amp;v=1\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p data-start=\"2736\" data-end=\"2960\">While Smith\u2019s defensive responsibilities will be significant, playing time remains an open question, as Seattle Mariners catcher <span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Cal Raleigh<\/span><\/span> is also expected to compete for innings behind the plate.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2962\" data-end=\"3159\">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.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3161\" data-end=\"3360\">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.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3362\" data-end=\"3516\">Beyond the pitching battery, Smith will also reunite with a franchise legend who has decided to extend his career for one final international opportunity.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3518\" data-end=\"3716\"><span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Clayton Kershaw<\/span><\/span>, 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.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3718\" data-end=\"3923\">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 r\u00e9sum\u00e9 at the major-league level.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3925\" data-end=\"4068\">\u201cI know he\u2019s excited about it,\u201d Smith said of Kershaw. \u201cI\u2019m excited he\u2019s gonna be able to join us. I know he was bummed he couldn\u2019t last time.\u201d<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4070\" data-end=\"4272\">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.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4274\" data-end=\"4454\">\u201cTrying to win a gold medal,\u201d Smith concluded, summarizing Team USA\u2019s collective mindset heading into a tournament where expectations will be nothing short of championship-or-bust.<\/p>\n<div class=\"no-scrollbar flex min-h-36 flex-nowrap gap-0.5 overflow-auto sm:gap-1 sm:overflow-hidden xl:min-h-44 mt-1 mb-5 [&amp;:not(:first-child)]:mt-4\">\n<div class=\"border-token-border-default relative w-32 shrink-0 overflow-hidden rounded-xl border-[0.5px] md:shrink max-h-64 sm:w-[calc((100%-0.5rem)\/3)] rounded-s-xl\">\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"bg-token-main-surface-tertiary m-0 h-full w-full object-cover\" src=\"https:\/\/images.openai.com\/static-rsc-3\/CSEdTfXG5e2Wn4_kriET7UHzUGXo5Brb2xen4_qY7M4nv9sOM1FssL1wjgPDBA242AuEMEhojygE2aiBA6b5MPHyQ5_KVmY71kweC9xOg2w?purpose=fullsize&amp;v=1\" alt=\"https:\/\/images.openai.com\/static-rsc-3\/CSEdTfXG5e2Wn4_kriET7UHzUGXo5Brb2xen4_qY7M4nv9sOM1FssL1wjgPDBA242AuEMEhojygE2aiBA6b5MPHyQ5_KVmY71kweC9xOg2w?purpose=fullsize&amp;v=1\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"border-token-border-default relative w-32 shrink-0 overflow-hidden rounded-xl border-[0.5px] md:shrink max-h-64 sm:w-[calc((100%-0.5rem)\/3)]\">\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"bg-token-main-surface-tertiary m-0 h-full w-full object-cover\" src=\"https:\/\/images.openai.com\/static-rsc-3\/gKGpuYJoTDBI9D8H1b6FrjkiaDKCNbSGKcyI_Gkb92FATHt000rANGdsge_v9eVNx1Jlp6wJWGmPp6-kita2gnRokYZNlJ_T-1M5ev-XNrQ?purpose=fullsize&amp;v=1\" alt=\"https:\/\/images.openai.com\/static-rsc-3\/gKGpuYJoTDBI9D8H1b6FrjkiaDKCNbSGKcyI_Gkb92FATHt000rANGdsge_v9eVNx1Jlp6wJWGmPp6-kita2gnRokYZNlJ_T-1M5ev-XNrQ?purpose=fullsize&amp;v=1\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"border-token-border-default relative w-32 shrink-0 overflow-hidden rounded-xl border-[0.5px] md:shrink max-h-64 sm:w-[calc((100%-0.5rem)\/3)] rounded-e-xl\">\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"bg-token-main-surface-tertiary m-0 h-full w-full object-cover\" src=\"https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/0a31376\/2147483647\/strip\/false\/crop\/5243x3495%2B0%2B0\/resize\/1486x991%21\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fc0%2Feb%2F03e52f6f467e9da3d202a654bda2%2Fdodgers-baseball-95194.jpg\" alt=\"https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/0a31376\/2147483647\/strip\/false\/crop\/5243x3495%2B0%2B0\/resize\/1486x991%21\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fc0%2Feb%2F03e52f6f467e9da3d202a654bda2%2Fdodgers-baseball-95194.jpg\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p data-start=\"4498\" data-end=\"4680\">Team USA will not be the only powerhouse in the tournament, as Team Japan enters as defending champions with superstar <span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Shohei Ohtani<\/span><\/span> once again on its roster.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4682\" data-end=\"4881\">However, the Dodgers have clarified that Ohtani\u2019s role will be limited strictly to designated hitter duties, as the organization remains cautious about his pitching workload following recent surgery.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4883\" data-end=\"5067\">Dodgers president of baseball operations <span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Andrew Friedman<\/span><\/span> explained that the decision was rooted in long-term planning rather than short-term competitive concerns.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5069\" data-end=\"5257\">\u201cWith Sho, he\u2019s going there to DH,\u201d Friedman told reporters, emphasizing that Ohtani will not pitch during the tournament to avoid an accelerated ramp-up following a deep October workload.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5259\" data-end=\"5436\">Friedman elaborated that the Dodgers envision Ohtani contributing significantly on the mound throughout the upcoming MLB season and potentially deep into another postseason run.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5438\" data-end=\"5661\">\u201cWe have designs of playing through October this year, with Sho being a big part of that on the mound,\u201d Friedman said, highlighting the organizational priority of sustainable performance over short-term international glory.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5663\" data-end=\"5865\">While acknowledging that Ohtani\u2019s competitive instincts might resist such restrictions, Friedman indicated that the two sides reached mutual understanding about balancing ambition with long-term health.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5867\" data-end=\"6015\">\u201cThe competitor in him doesn\u2019t love it, but he understood it,\u201d Friedman said, reinforcing the careful collaboration between player and organization.<\/p>\n<div class=\"no-scrollbar flex min-h-36 flex-nowrap gap-0.5 overflow-auto sm:gap-1 sm:overflow-hidden xl:min-h-44 mt-1 mb-5 [&amp;:not(:first-child)]:mt-4\">\n<div class=\"border-token-border-default relative w-32 shrink-0 overflow-hidden rounded-xl border-[0.5px] md:shrink max-h-64 sm:w-[calc((100%-0.5rem)\/3)] rounded-s-xl\">\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"bg-token-main-surface-tertiary m-0 h-full w-full object-cover\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/jQvqmVH_R8qmG6NB2_67Xg--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTY0MDtoPTM2MDtjZj13ZWJw\/https%3A\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/collectibles_on_si_347\/4ebe68bcceb5b74ec080d0d45f93f36b\" alt=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/jQvqmVH_R8qmG6NB2_67Xg--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTY0MDtoPTM2MDtjZj13ZWJw\/https%3A\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/collectibles_on_si_347\/4ebe68bcceb5b74ec080d0d45f93f36b\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"border-token-border-default relative w-32 shrink-0 overflow-hidden rounded-xl border-[0.5px] md:shrink max-h-64 sm:w-[calc((100%-0.5rem)\/3)]\">\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"bg-token-main-surface-tertiary m-0 h-full w-full object-cover\" src=\"https:\/\/img.mlbstatic.com\/mlb-images\/image\/upload\/ar_16%3A9%2Cg_auto%2Cq_auto%3Agood%2Cw_1536%2Cc_fill%2Cf_jpg\/mlb\/lglyc5a3g3pzhpk17ss3\" alt=\"https:\/\/img.mlbstatic.com\/mlb-images\/image\/upload\/ar_16%3A9%2Cg_auto%2Cq_auto%3Agood%2Cw_1536%2Cc_fill%2Cf_jpg\/mlb\/lglyc5a3g3pzhpk17ss3\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"border-token-border-default relative w-32 shrink-0 overflow-hidden rounded-xl border-[0.5px] md:shrink max-h-64 sm:w-[calc((100%-0.5rem)\/3)] rounded-e-xl\">\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"bg-token-main-surface-tertiary m-0 h-full w-full object-cover\" src=\"https:\/\/images.openai.com\/static-rsc-3\/twzibVvN7E1oU6ExEVGYgvnN-UroBJ-I3lmL6Lz9rMZPDRVmgx6LKXSs6johJlPFdBPm3O1eo-r8M-c7xh4_TNcczBwNuJ-4sF1acx4FK5I?purpose=fullsize&amp;v=1\" alt=\"https:\/\/images.openai.com\/static-rsc-3\/twzibVvN7E1oU6ExEVGYgvnN-UroBJ-I3lmL6Lz9rMZPDRVmgx6LKXSs6johJlPFdBPm3O1eo-r8M-c7xh4_TNcczBwNuJ-4sF1acx4FK5I?purpose=fullsize&amp;v=1\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p data-start=\"6061\" data-end=\"6267\">Smith\u2019s media availability also included praise for new Dodgers addition <span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Kyle Tucker<\/span><\/span>, whose arrival adds significant offensive firepower to an already stacked Los Angeles lineup.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"6269\" data-end=\"6415\">\u201cI\u2019ve seen him for six, seven years now,\u201d Smith said, reflecting on years of facing Tucker as an opponent before now sharing a clubhouse with him.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"6417\" data-end=\"6582\">\u201c[Tucker is] a good player. I\u2019m glad he\u2019s with us,\u201d Smith continued, pointing to Tucker\u2019s disciplined approach, power profile, and advanced feel for the strike zone.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"6584\" data-end=\"6762\">Smith highlighted Tucker\u2019s versatility as well, noting his defensive reliability and baserunning ability as traits that elevate him beyond being simply a middle-of-the-order bat.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"6764\" data-end=\"6956\">\u201cHe\u2019s got power, he\u2019s a good outfielder, steals bases. Just a really, really good player,\u201d Smith said, projecting confidence in Tucker\u2019s ability to help Los Angeles chase another championship.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"6958\" data-end=\"7160\">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.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"7162\" data-end=\"7408\">Between catching Cy Young winners, supporting a legendary pitcher\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"7410\" data-end=\"7633\">If Smith delivers both defensively and offensively on those stages, his reputation as one of baseball\u2019s most complete catchers will only continue to grow, fueled by elite pitching partnerships and championship expectations.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"7635\" data-end=\"7815\">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.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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,&#8230; <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":155602,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-155600","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-mlb"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v23.6 - 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