The Cincinnati Reds announced the signing of former Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Rocky Gale to a Minor League contract with an invitation to 2021 Spring Training.
Gale originally signed a Minor League deal with the Dodgers in February 2018 and spent parts of three seasons with the organization. He appeared in a combined eight Major League games with L.A. in 2018 and 2019, batting .118 with a pair of hits in 17 at-bats.
The Dodgers’ organization has come to value depth so much in recent years, and Gale provided that behind the plate as a Minor League catcher who came up to fill in for injured players whenever needed.
In 85 games for Triple-A Oklahoma City in 2018, Gale slashed .281/.305/.383 with four home runs and 35 RBI. He then appeared in 30 games for them the next season, hitting .250/.303/.370 with a pair of home runs and 14 RBI.
The Dodgers traded Gale to the Tampa Bay Rays at the deadline in 2019 in exchange for cash considerations. They then brought him back on a Minor League deal the following offseason, although he did not appear in any games for L.A. during the shortened 2020 season.
With the recent departure of catcher Curt Casali, who signed with the San Francisco Giants, the Reds currently have a backup catching void to fill behind starter Tucker Barnhart.
It remains to be seen in the 32-year-old Gale will get the chance to earn that spot, but even if he doesn’t, he will provide the Reds organization with some needed depth, just as he did in his time with the Dodgers.
Dodgers showing significant interest in Kirby Yates
As far as the Dodgers’ offseason is going, they have mainly been focused on improving their bullpen. In addition to already adding Corey Knebel and Brandon Morrow as well as re-signing Blake Treinen, the Dodgers also have reported interest in former San Diego Padres closer Kirby Yates.
Yates is just one year removed from being one of the most dominant relievers in baseball, and although he had an injury-plagued 2020, he certainly would represent a solid acquisition if the Dodgers are able to sign him.
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