October 21st, 2019 at 8:00 am 
by 0799291000348 During spring training 2019, Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said that Will Smith was already a Gold Glove-caliber catcher and would help the Dodgers win important games in the second half of that season. Somewhat of a surprising and bold statement, considering that the then 23-year-old catcher had only played 73-games for the Double-A Tulsa Drillers and 25-games for the Triple-A Oklahoma City Dodgers in 2018. But as it turned out, Friedman’s prediction was understated … boy, was it understated.
Smith not only demonstrated his gold glove qualities behind the plate, but he was an offensive force, slashing .253 / .337 / .571 / .907 in only 196 plate appearances, with 15 home runs, and 42 runs batted in. He struggled with the bat in September and during the (brief) postseason, but that may be attributed to the physical and mental fatigue of catching 98 games in 2019, as compared to only 49 games in 2018 and 56 games in 2017.
Who will be Smith’s backup in 2020? Statistically, Austin Barnes and Russell Martin were almost identical in 2019; both are fine defensive catchers, including excellent pitch framers. Offensively, 36-year-old Martin has a slight edge in weighted runs created (wRC) and on-base percentage/slugging (OPS). But Martin is now a free agent, while 29-year-old Barnes is eight years younger, far less expensive, and is under team control through 2022. He is, however, out of minor league options.
There is some sentiment for re-signing Martin for one more season. Martin’s leadership qualities add a non-quantifiable intangible to the clubhouse and he does not expect to be the regular catcher, content to serve in a backup role and mentor. If Martin will accept a $4 million to $5 million / one year contract (approximately the amount paid to recently retired corner infielder David Freese in 2019), he will likely return to share catching duties with Smith in 2020.
Martin’s return would, however, bring an end to Barnes’ career with the Dodgers. Although offensively challenged, Barnes’ defensive skills would benefit a catching-needy team like the New York Mets, as well as several other teams. The Dodgers would likely sign a veteran defensive catcher to a minor league contract with a spring training invitation, perhaps a reunion with Rocky Gale or free agent Bryan Holaday as an emergency backup for the Oklahoma City Dodgers roster.
Dodgers catching prospect Keibert Ruiz struggled last year for Double-A Tulsa, but in 40 plate appearances for Triple-A Oklahoma City, he slashed .316 / .350 / .474 / .824 with only one strikeout in 40 plate appearances. Make no mistake, this 21-year-old young man is legit and very close to being ready for the majors. It would not be surprising for Andrew Friedman to predict great things for Ruiz in the second half of the 2020 season – or “Déjà vu all over again,” as Hall of Fame catcher Yogi Berra would have said.
The Dodgers catching is in good hands.
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Great piece, Jesse!
I must confess that Martin did far better than I thought he would, on both sides of the ball. He was also pretty good as a reliever, being the only Dodgers ‘pitcher’ to post a 0.00 ERA in 2019. And, as you mentioned, was a great mentor for all of the young Dodgers called up this season – especially for Smith.
That being said, it is, in my opinion, time for Kiebert Ruiz to get the call. (Sorry Russ and Austin). Although a great guy and great teammate, Barnes “couldn’t hit water if he fell out of a boat,” as Hall of Fame manager Tommy Lasorda would say.
I agree with you about Ruiz, I just think the Dodgers will give him a half season in Triple-A; he will not be 22 until mid season. At some point (2021?) we may see a position switch for Smith, perhaps to third base with Ruiz the regular catcher backed up by Connor Wong, or Hunter Feduccia. Scouting reports that Smith is a very good athlete, while Ruiz is considered strictly a catcher.
Had the pleasure of seeing Connor Wong, Hunter Feduccia, and Stevie Berman catch this past season at Rancho Cucamonga before Wong and Berman were promoted to Double-A Tulsa (although Berman had been bounced around quite a bit between Midland, Rancho, and Tulsa during the second half).
Of the bunch, Wong, who was drafted by the Dodgers in the third round in 2017 out of the University of Houston, was clearly the better of the three on both sides of the ball. I fully expect that he will receive an invitation to major league spring training camp this February … if he hasn’t been traded before then.
“But Martin is now a free agent, while 29-year-old Barnes is eight years younger, far less expensive, and is under team control through 2022”.
Despite the fact that Barnes has struggled since his stellar 2017 season, The above quote from your article tells me he will be the backup catcher to start the 2020 season.
Best possible outcome is trading Barnes at the trade deadline and bringing up Ruiz at that time. Just another area that the Dodgers have well covered.
Like Ron, Martin did far better than I thought he would, but no way would I spend $4-5M to bring him back.
Why I think Martin returns to Dodgers: (1) veteran leadership lost with Freese retirement; (2) excellent mentor for Smith and Keibert Ruiz; (3) Barnes horrible body language, and apparent sulking in the dugout after each failed at bat; and, (4) Barnes packaged with other players could net a nice bullpen arm — Barnes and Pedro Baez for Seth Lugo (just an example)
ANY trade that rids the Dodgers of Pedro Baez would be a GREAT trade. Hope they throw in Yimi, too.
I have to agree with you, Jesse. Baseball history is full of veteran catchers spending their last few seasons as back-up/mentor to young catchers.
Barnes should be perfectly capable back up catcher, who can pinch run and play 2b in an emergency. He will do fine handles the pitching staff just fine.
Should be, but his attitude concerns me