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Smith’s Postseason Struggles Raise Concerns for Dodgers’ Offense
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- Smith’s Postseason Struggles Raise Concerns for Dodgers’ Offense
(IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
For the Los Angeles Dodgers , Will Smith 's struggles have become another concern for an offense that has had difficulty finding consistency during the 2026 postseason. Through six games as of Oct. 12, Smith has recorded just one hit in 23 at-bats, posting a .043 batting average and a .126 OPS.
Smith has seemingly not looked like himself this October, and his production has been particularly concerning given the Dodgers' offensive struggles. With the catcher frequently batting in the middle of the lineup, his inability to produce has become increasingly noticeable at a time when Los Angeles needs its key hitters to deliver.
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The Dodgers have relied on their lineup to generate offense throughout the season, but Smith's recent performance has created another obstacle. His postseason numbers also represent a significant departure from what he accomplished during the 2025 playoffs, when he established himself as a productive contributor.
Smith's recent production takes a turn
Smith's current postseason struggles are especially surprising when considering how he performed after returning from a three-month stint on the Injured List.
After coming back on Sept. 1, Smith appeared in 21 regular-season games and recorded 18 hits in 62 at-bats. He batted .290 with a .400 on-base percentage and a .548 slugging percentage, finishing the stretch with a .948 OPS.
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He also recorded four doubles, four home runs and 11 RBIs during that span. Smith hit four of his 10 regular-season home runs after returning from his neck injury, providing a significant offensive contribution during the final month of the season.
That production suggested Smith had regained his rhythm at the plate following an extended absence. However, the postseason has presented a different challenge as he has struggled to carry that momentum into October.
The contrast is also evident when comparing his current performance with last year's postseason. Smith appeared in 15 games during the 2025 playoffs, batting .276 with a .364 on-base percentage, a .414 slugging percentage, and a .777 OPS. He also recorded 16 hits, two home runs, and eight RBIs.
While postseason production can fluctuate, the difference between those numbers and his current results is difficult to overlook.
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Dodgers need Smith to find his rhythm
Fortunately for Smith and the Dodgers, there is still an opportunity to turn things around. As Los Angeles returns home for Game 3 of the National League Championship Series against the Milwaukee Brewers , Smith will have another chance to regain his offensive confidence.
However, time is becoming increasingly important for a Dodgers team facing the possibility of elimination. Los Angeles needs its most dependable players to produce, particularly with the postseason placing greater pressure on every at-bat.
Smith remains an important part of the lineup, and his recent regular-season production demonstrated what he can provide when he is hitting well. The challenge now is translating that success into the postseason before the Dodgers run out of opportunities.
