The Los Angeles Dodgers opened up the 2019 season with Austin Barnes and Russell Martin splitting playing time at the catcher position. However, by the end of the year they were unseated by Will Smith.
As Barnes and Martin both struggled, they were supplanted by Smith by midsummer. He earned a promotion after putting up gaudy numbers during his time with Triple-A Oklahoma City.
Smith batted .268/.381/.603 with 11 doubles, 20 home runs and 54 RBI in 62 games for the Dodgers’ top Minor League affiliate and followed up that performance with equally impressive numbers at the Major League level.