There is currently a multitude of different catchers available on the free agent and trade markets, which is good news for the Los Angeles Dodgers considering they are currently without a starting backstop for the 2019 season.
They extended a qualifying offer Yasmani Grandal, which he predictably rejected and became a free agent. While it remains possible Grandal re-signs, the Dodgers reportedly have moved forward without an expectation that will be the case.
One catcher that the Dodgers have been linked to is Yan Gomes of the Cleveland Indians. They have reportedly discussed a number of different deals for Gomes and starting pitchers Corey Kluber or Trevor Bauer.
The Dodgers can cross Gomes off their list now though as according to Jon Heyman of Fancred, he has been traded to the Washington Nationals:
Yan Gomes is being acquired by the #Nats. Gives them a nice catching combo with Suzuki. Minor League RF Daniel Johnson going the other way to #Indians . (sorry if you saw earlier that mentioned Michael Taylor; he's not involved)
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) November 30, 2018
Gomes deal to Nats is official. Part of reasoning for Tribe is salary relief. Gomes makes $7M this year with team options for 9M and 11M the following 2 years
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 1, 2018
In 112 games for the Indians in 2018, Gomes hit .266/.313/.449 with 16 home runs and 48 RBI, which was a very solid season amongst all catchers. He was named an All-Star for the first in his seven-year Major League career.
The 31-year-old is under contract for the 2019 season with team options for both 2020 and 2021, so he could potentially be with the Nationals for three more seasons.
With Gomes now off the market, the Dodgers may shift their focus to Miami Marlins All-Star J.T. Realmuto. It would take giving up some top prospects to get him though, so Los Angeles could instead look at free agents.
Among catchers still on the open market are Grandal, Wilson Ramos, Jonathan Lucroy, Matt Wieters, Martin Maldonado and others.
