Commentary: With Will Smith out indefinitely, Dodgers need to trade for a catcher

With the trade deadline approaching, the Los Angeles Dodgers face a critical roster problem. All-Star catcher Will Smith has been out of action since mid-June due to a persistent neck injury. While the team remains hopeful for his return, manager Dave Roberts admits the timeline for his comeback is unknown. Relying on an injured player as October approaches presents too much risk for a World Series contender.

Dalton Rushing currently fills the role, but his performance at the plate and behind it creates concerns. His offensive production has dipped significantly since he took over starting duties, and his defensive statistics are among the lowest for major league catchers. The Dodgers have historically valued defensive reliability at this position during the postseason, making Rushing a questionable fit for high-stakes games.

Front office decision-makers should prioritize acquiring a reliable, defense-first catcher before the August 3 deadline. While starters like Tarik Skubal dominate the trade headlines, the lack of depth at catcher is the most immediate issue facing the squad. Options such as Ben Rortvedt serve as examples of the type of player the team might target to shore up the position.

Though a star-studded deal for a pitcher is the talk of the town, the smartest move for the Dodgers might be a smaller acquisition for a veteran backstop. Whether Smith recovers in time to play is an open question, but the team cannot afford to wait and find out. A secure, proven defensive catcher represents an insurance policy the club requires to compete for a championship.