Dodgers’ Will Smith talks adjustment to life without Clayton Kershaw

After spending 18 seasons playing under the bright lights in Hollywood, pitcher Clayton Kershaw retired from Major League Baseball following the 2025 season, which culminated in his third career World Series victory as a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

For Dodgers catcher Will Smith, who was selected in the opening round of the 2016 MLB Draft by the Dodgers and became close teammates with Kershaw, not having him around has been a different feeling so far this season.

“His presence is missing,” Smith said via Dodgers Territory on X. “He was special. Obviously on the field, but also as a teammate, keeping things light in the clubhouse each and every day as the season went along.”

During a recent game at Dodger Stadium, Kershaw was in attendance close to home plate alongside country music star Brad Paisley, and was photographed smiling with Smith as he was on deck.

“The other day, I didn’t really know he was going to be there,” Smith said. “I went on deck for my first and second at-bats, saw him and said hi. I didn’t get to talk to him much, but he was enjoying it. He came by the dugout and said some words at some point, but yeah,  it was good to see him just enjoying the game and cheering us on.”

https://x.com/LADTerritory/status/2061562179544113570?s=20

So far this season, Smith has hit six home runs with 23 RBI. He’s also hitting .256 while having amassed a .734 OPS. After taking two of three games from the Phillies, Smith and the Dodgers open up a series against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Monday evening.

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