Dodgers Dugout: Looking at the NL West catchers; meet our new columnist

The regular season is right around the corner, so let's look at Will Smith and the rest of the NL West catchers.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 1:55pm

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The article discusses the starting lineups for all the teams in the NL West, focusing on the catchers. It also introduces the new sports columnist Mirjam Swanson, who will be covering all sports but is expected to write quite a bit about the Dodgers.

Why it matters

The Dodgers are the favorites to win the NL West division, and understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the other teams' catchers is important context for the upcoming season. The addition of a new columnist who will be providing opinion and analysis on the Dodgers is also noteworthy for fans.

The details

The article ranks the NL West catchers from best to worst, with the Dodgers' Will Smith being considered the best in the division. It also provides details on the other catchers, including the Diamondbacks' Gabriel Moreno, the Rockies' Hunter Goodman, the Giants' Patrick Bailey, and the Padres' Freddy Fermin. The article also introduces the new Times columnist Mirjam Swanson, who shares her thoughts on her journey to the Times and her favorite Dodgers moments.

  • The regular season is right around the corner.

The players

Will Smith

The Dodgers' catcher who is considered the best in the NL West.

Gabriel Moreno

The Diamondbacks' catcher who has had some injury issues but is expected to be ready for opening day.

Hunter Goodman

The Rockies' catcher who had a breakout season last year, making the All-Star team and winning the Silver Slugger award.

Patrick Bailey

The Giants' catcher who is solid defensively and has focused on improving his hitting this offseason.

Freddy Fermin

The Padres' catcher who was acquired from the Royals last season and is known for his ability to handle the pitching staff.

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What they’re saying

“I mean, last year for the whole first half, was kind of like I was in fight-or-flight mode the whole game behind the dish. So just trying to get to where I'm comfortable on the plate and working to get these guys strikes and call better games and stuff like that.”

— Hunter Goodman

“The moment in Dodgers history that will stick with me most is … Andy Pages' catch.”

— Mirjam Swanson, Columnist (latimes.com)

“The answer is health, of course. But the Dodgers are so deep, they've done as much as a club can to fortify itself against inevitable injuries and ailments throughout a season, so it feels like less of a concern than it's supposed to be.”

— Mirjam Swanson, Columnist (latimes.com)

“A guy I know, an otherwise relatively rational dude, told me after the Dodgers repeated: 'The only bad thing about this is Dave Roberts is going to be around longer.'”

— Mirjam Swanson, Columnist (latimes.com)

“Fewer than 100.”

— Mirjam Swanson, Columnist (latimes.com)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.