It is no secret that the Los Angeles Dodgers are still without a starting catcher in place for the 2019 season, and their options are dwindling by the day.
Re-signing Yasmani Grandal to a one-year deal was something the Dodgers reportedly had interest in, but he instead agreed to a one-year contract with the Milwaukee Brewers late Wednesday night.
The best option still available of course is Miami Marlins catcher J.T. Realmuto, although it would take a trade to acquire him. The Marlins’ price tag on their All-Star backstop has been extremely high all season, which is why he has not yet been dealt to this point.
With Grandal no longer being an option though, the Dodgers may be shifting their focus to Realmuto as other teams remain involved in talks with the Marlins as well, per Joe Frisaro of MLB.com:
The J.T. Realmuto Sweepstakes intensify with Yasmani Grandal's pending deal with the #Brewers The #Marlins seeking huge return. #Dodgers have a catching need and the prospects. #Braves #Reds #Rays #Padres #Astros also in the mix. LAD may be most motivated.
— Joe Frisaro (@JoeFrisaro) January 10, 2019
The Marlins have been asking for a package that includes Cody Bellinger in return for Realmuto since the beginning of the offseason, but the Dodgers have essentially indicated he is off limits.
A package involving Dodgers top outfield prospect Alex Verdugo could be more realistic as he can come in right away and be a starting outfielder in Miami, which is what they are said to desire.
If the Dodgers do not end up ponying up for Realmuto, other options still available on the free agent market include veterans Martin Maldonado and Matt Wieters. They have also been linked to Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Francisco Cervelli in trade talks at times this winter.
