Roster Status – Catchers

Dodgers pitchers and catchers reported for spring training at Camelback Ranch in Glendale, Arizona on Tuesday and barring any injuries or an unexpected trade, the Dodgers will start the season with Austin Barnes (age 29) and Russell Martin (age 36) sharing time behind the plate. Both are excellent defensive catchers, noted for their game calling, pitch framing, and blocking balls in the dirt, with reputations as hard-nosed ball players.

Recently reacquired Dodgers catcher Russell Martin discusses Clayton Kershaw‘s just-concluded first bullpen session of the spring with the Dodgers ace.
(Photo credit – Ron Cervenka)

Offensively? Neither catcher is expected to replace Yasmani Grandal, who has been one of the best offensive catchers in the game over the last four seasons, not to mention a switch-hitter. But, what about collectively? The Dodgers would be overjoyed if the two catchers bounced back to their 2017 levels of run production which were remarkably similar to the 2018 Dodgers’ catchers as well as the average production for all MLB catchers:

Backing up Barnes and Martin at Oklahoma City is starter-in-waiting Will Smith, and veterans Rocky Gale and Josh Thole. The 23-year-old Smith is considered to be ready now defensively, needing only to demonstrate that his bat will play at the major league level. Andrew Friedman is on record that he expects Smith to help win games in the second half of this season and on Wednesday told reporters that he considers Smith to be a Gold Glove-caliber catcher.

Dodgers top catching prospect Will Smith talks with right-handed pitching prospect Yadier Alvarez after their bullpen session on Thursday morning. On Wednesday, Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman called Smith a Gold Glove-caliber catcher. (Photo credit – Ron Cervenka)

Gale is a fine defensive catcher and has 3 minor league options remaining, which gives him an advantage over Thole, who is out of options and has a July 1 opt-out in his contract if not added to the Dodgers roster.

Baseball America’s top rated minor league catcher, Keibert Ruiz, will most likely start the season at Double-A Tulsa and is unlikely to be with Dodgers earlier than a possible September 1 call up.

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4 Responses to “Roster Status – Catchers”

  1. Bob says:

    It seems unlikely that Ruiz and Smith will both be with the Dodgers very long. Either would be too good as trade bait rather than sitting on the bench.
    Maybe Will Smith will someday catch Will Smith.

    • SoCalbum says:

      Smith is a very good athlete, if his bat comes around he could move to third base when/if Ruiz becomes the regular catcher

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