One area of concern that the Los Angeles Dodgers figure to address this offseason is the catcher position. With Yasmani Grandal now a free agent after declining his qualifying offer, the club’s depth chart behind the plate took a significant hit.
Of the Dodgers’ current 40-man roster, only Austin Barnes, Kyle Farmer and Rocky Gale represent catching options with MLB experience. The organization is flush with talent at the Minor League level, however, in the form of top prospects Keibert Ruiz and Will Smith.
That being said, a reunion with Grandal is becoming increasingly unlikely. The switch-hitter has already garnered plenty of interest despite his struggles in the postseason.
One executive went as far as to predict that Grandal will receive a multi-year contract this winter that reaches $60 million in total value, per Jon Heyman of Fancred:
Some saw Grandal’s call as a gamble since he performed so poorly in the postseason, but one exec thought he could receive a $60 million deal or so.
Brian McCann, entering his age-30 season, signed a five-year, $85 million contract with the New York Yankees prior to the 2014 season. Grandal just turned 30 years old himself and put up even better numbers than his counterpart in his final season with the Atlanta Braves.
With Grandal likely to receive a multi-year contract elsewhere, the Dodgers will likely target short-term backstops that can help bridge the gap to Ruiz and Smith.
Other free agent catchers on the market include Jonathan Lucroy, Wilson Ramos and Matt Wieters. The Dodgers have also been connected to Miami Marlins All-Star J.T. Realmuto, who is reportedly available for an exorbitant asking price.
