3 years agoIf it wasn't for Salvador Perez's remarkable 2021 season, Will Smith could have found himself being the first catcher drafted in 2022. Instead, he's currently the third catcher taken according to his current ADP (~64). That might seem a lofty ADP for a catcher but Smith justifies it following his 2021 season in which he hit .258/.365/.495 in 130 games. Smith also hit 25 homers (third-most among catchers) and chipped in with three steals. Smith's 71 runs and 76 RBI both ranked second among catchers as the Dodgers' offense continued to put up runs, ranking fourth in runs scored (830). After putting up a 14.6% BB% in 2020, Smith showed it was no fluke with a 11.6% BB% over a full 2021 campaign, which ranked in the 83rd percentile. Smith was one of only three catchers to have 500+ plate appearances in 2021 and if the National League does implement the designated hitter as anticipated, he should have no problem in reaching that number again in 2022. Being able to accumulate counting stats without being a drain on batting average is a strong asset of being a catcher in fantasy. Smith's underlying numbers don't suggest regression is due (.364 wOBA and xwOBA and a .250 average) and he shouldn't have any problem ending the season as the number one catcher in the National League at least.--Jamie Steed - RotoBaller