5:48pm: Los Angeles will take on $3.6MM of Martin’s salary, with the Jays paying the other $16.4MM of what’s still due, per Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca (Twitter link).
1:30pm: The Blue Jays have formally announced the trade. They’ll send Martin and cash to Los Angeles in exchange for minor league shortstop Ronny Brito and minor league right-hander Andrew Sopko.
1:12pm: The Dodgers have reached an agreement on a trade with the Blue Jays that will bring veteran catcher Russell Martin back to Los Angeles, reports Arash Madani of Sportsnet (via Twitter). Martin will earn $20MM in 2019 — the final season of a five-year, $82MM contract with the Jays. Presumably, Toronto is paying down a hefty portion of that remaining salary as part of the trade.
The addition of Martin shouldn’t strictly take the Dodgers out of the running for Marlins star J.T. Realmuto, though there’s certainly less urgency for Los Angeles to meet Miami’s lofty asking price with this deal in place. Still, it’s not inconceivable that president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman could make a strong offer for Realmuto even with Martin and Austin Barnes on the roster. Barnes has a minor league option remaining and is capable of playing the infield, and some reports have indicated that Miami would like a catcher with MLB experience as part of a Realmuto deal (in addition to multiple top prospects); Barnes could fit that description, speculatively speaking.
Soon to turn 36, Martin will bring a keen eye a the plate and strong defensive skills to the Dodgers, who of course originally drafted and developed the four-time All-Star. While last season’s .194/.338/.325 batting line obviously looks ugly, Martin walked at a nearly 16 percent clip, one of the highest rates in the league, and demonstrated that he still has a bit of pop — certainly enough to make him comparable to other catchers throughout the game. Martin hit 10 homers and recorded a .133 ISO (slugging percentage minus batting average), the latter of which checked in only slightly south of the mark of a league-average catcher (.141 ISO).
Martin did hit the ball on the ground (51.2 percent) and pop up (19.4 percent of his fly-balls were pop-ups) at career-high rates in 2018, so the .234 average on balls in play he posted last season may not be as much of a fluke as it would seem at first glance. But, if he’s able to correct either of those issues in a return to Chavez Ravine, he’ll give the Dodgers a high-quality defender with excellent on-base skills. Martin’s caught-stealing numbers have dwindled recently (22 percent in 2018), but he remains a premium pitch framer and was among the best in baseball at blocking pitches in the dirt, per Baseball Prospectus’ metrics.
The trade of Martin to Los Angeles will open the door for Jays catching prospect Danny Jansen to audition as a long-term piece behind the dish. The 23-year-old Jansen has long rated as one of the organization’s better prospects and enjoyed a solid late-2018 debut with a .247/.347/.432 slash and three homers in 95 plate appearances. Jansen will team with 27-year-old Luke Maile, a strong defensive backstop who had a career-best .248/.333/.366 batting line in 231 plate appearances last season.
Brito, 20 in March, signed with the Dodgers for a $2MM bonus as a 16-year-old amateur and has yet to ascend beyond Rookie ball. He split the 2018 season between the Dominican Summer League (eight games) and the Pioneer League (53 games), posting a combined .295/.359/.496 batting line with 11 homers and 14 doubles in 262 plate appearances. He’s quite a ways from big league relevance, but he did enjoy solid production against older competition in the Pioneer League this past season.
Sopko is a 24-year-old righty whom the Dodgers selected in the seventh round of the 2015 draft. He opened the 2018 season at Class-A Advanced and ascended to Double-A midway through the season. Between those two levels, Sopko notched a 3.52 ERA with 9.3 K/9 against 2.1 BB/9 and 1.1 HR/9. As a fly-ball righty with a low-90s heater who relies on control, his realistic ceiling is more along the lines of a back-end starter, but his success in Double-A means he shouldn’t be too far from getting a look at the big league level.
Oh dang ok
Two nothing moves Martin is a bust and two rooks who may never make it to the Bigs
Right on the Jays side. They get “rotation depth” at best plus somebody who may never make the bigs, and they’re still eating 80 percent of Martin’s salary. For LA, at that price, what’s to lose, though? Not a nothing move on their side.
But you could also theorize that had the Blue Jays not made the trade, they’d have to pay all of Martin’s salary and you know what production you’d get. At least they save a few millions and get too unpromising lottery tickets. They gave themselves a chance, even a small one, that they didn’t have prior to the trade.
Not a bad move by the Dodgers or Jays
20m this year? Wow
The Jays are going to be paying more salary to players on other teams than their own (Tulo and now Martin). Baseball is sometimes a strange business.
Not even close to being true.
You sure? They’re paying (have paid) Tulo $37MM to play somewhere else ($14MM + 4MM buyout + $19.45MM not paid by the Yankees).
And now an undisclosed figure to dump Martin.
They don’t pay Tulo that $37 million this year….just his 2019 salary gets paid this year
They still had/have to pay out the rest of his contract and the buyout.
So fine, they’re still paying over $35MM for two players to play on other teams.
And that will not be more than their payroll
Christopher_oriole, I know where you were come from. It is amazing to think about.
I imagine if you add the total of Tulo’s deal (37.5) and what they’re paying to get rid of Martin (16.4) it’ll come close to half.
His contract was essentially structured backwards to fit in payroll for the playoff years.
7, 15, 20, 20 , 20
But really should have been 20, 20, 20, 15, 7
They are essentially paying off the debt owed.
He’s worth $20M like I’m worth $20M one of those many players who take the money and then take a dive.
Labor problem growth evidence. At age 31, Martin got 5/82. At age 31, Grandal couldn’t get 4/60!
Likely because 5/82 was too much for a guy like Martin.
Labor problems will be readdressed in the next CBA. In the meantime, …
If salaries were predicated on a percentage of franchise profits, it’s tempting to think players would be making even more than they do nowadays. But rest assured, teams would have their bean counters devise creative accounting tricks to ‘James Garner’ players out of their should-be income. And then if franchises ever started losing money, presumably the players would have to pay to play. No way they’d agree to such an arrangement.
Mets offered him that contract and Grandal turned it down because he wanted 65M instead of 60M
Grandal turned down 4/60.
Rumor says he turned down 4/60. Fact says he signed for much lower.
He had a .670 OPS in 90 games last year only played in 90 games in 2017….OPS will probably drop another 50 points outside of Rogers Stadium. I don’t know if this is an answer to the problem.
I imagine Martin will just be a backup. But perhaps the best backup catcher in baseball, who can play a little 3B, draw walks, and won’t give up 247 passed balls in a playoff game.
not even close to the best back up… he is horrible with the bat…. McCann is a better back up by far!
The highest paid back up
I’d take Martin over McCann any day. Talk about poor offence. McCann is an offensive catcher that doesn’t have much offence left
It’s not a problem if he’s going to be second to Realmuto. Probably means that Barnes gonna be trade.
LA is not getting Realmoto no way
he will be traded to either the Braves or Reds or Padres
nowhere;
In other words, Realmuto goes to a franchise knee-deep in hot prospects. Perhaps your list is leaving someone out … ?
IF REDS, THEY WILL FLIP FOR PITCHER.
It’s not a problem if he’s going to be second to Realmuto. Probably means that Barnes gonna be trade.
This is an awesome move. Almost corrects a wrong committed several years ago. Should’ve never let him go
Last year Kemp, this year Russell…next year Piazza?
What’s Shaun green and Raul mondesi up to?
Let’s bring back Fernandomania while we’re at it.
Pretty sure Mondesi is in prison
I hear Koufax’s elbow finally feels better!!
Fred Johnson (The Fugitive character) right elbow is also on the mend.
And they are now most likely out of the running for Realmuto.
Or, they are about to trade for him and Barnes is in the deal. But I think the Dodgers got tired of waiting and have moved on.
Who the hell is going to trade for Barnes? lmao
His former manager.
Didn’t the Dogers get Barnes from Miami to begin with? Why would Miami take him back?
Dodgers drafted Martin but why would they want him back? It’s almost the same thing as you are saying with Barnes. Except Barnes got traded. New management, front office may be more influential to reacquainting Barnes never know what goes on in the front offices
… let alone the back offices.
Marlins going to end up as the attractive girl without a date to prom because she’s too stuck up
Yup
Yeah, I mean I understand they got screw on the Yelich deal among others last year and that JT is their last big chip, but trying to make up for bad previous trades is dumb. You’re screwing yourself on both ends. Not enough for one guy and nothing for another because you asked for too much. Now I realize they’ll likely eventually trade him, but the lass years he has the less they can ask for. Now is the best time and they may have already waited too long
Well done.
Or maybe that attractive girl is misunderstood. Maybe she’s just better than you.
Uh, no such thing as an attractive girl without a date to the prom. There’s always some lonely guy who will put up with “personality shortcomings” for a chance to tap that.
Mr.Steal;
“Marlins going to end up as the attractive girl without a date to prom because she’s too stuck up”
… I KNOW that girl! She was voted ‘Miss Lincoln’ … because every guy in the school took a shot at her in the balcony.
Funny! Not bad, not bad at all.
Did you not read the article?
You expect people to “read”. Smh.
Lmao reading title AND the article is important fellas
The article is updated and older comments aren’t removed. It often appears that people iddnt read the article, but that’s usually not the case.
Blue jays have a younger and better catcher in Jansen. Like it
Casey Jansen? Hardly.
It’s Danny actually. And Danny is a solid prospect who with a full season ABs prob does more for u at this point then Martin at a huge salary would .
Yup
Dang
Oh. My. God. What did they do?!?! Lol
Last year was Kemps welcome back tour. Now its Martins.
James Loney gets his next year, I guess.
In before Paul Lo Duca comes out of retirement
Jeff Kent would solve their 2B and right handed power void.
Ethier and Kemp Dodgers last tour got their world series appearance maybe Martin will get one too
Miss Ethier. Good ball player.
Wow! Interesting
So the Dodgers whiff on every other possible catcher there is and just go full cop out and acquire Martin, depressing.
But it’s ok bc most Dodger fans on here seemed be be cool with Grandal leaving on a 1 year deal. smh
Grandal NOT being a Dodger is addition by subtraction. We win again!
If you would rather have Martin than Grandal at this stage of their careers, you are truly going to be disappointed.
You clearly have no idea how disappointing it was watching Grandal miss pitch after pitch for years…..
Grandal needed a Buddy Biancalana backstop.
Grandal has a career postseason ops of .464 in 32 games. He has been benched in the previous two postseasons and did nothing the 2 postseasons prior to that. Add in the fact that he becomes a horrible defensive catcher at the same time. When the Dodgers go to the postseason again this year, they will be glad to have Martin over Grandal.
actually you dont win. You severely lost. Shows alot about the dodgers team as a whole if he left the qualifying offer on the table to come to MIL for a little less money than the QO. we got him on a one year deal and hes gonna do great in Miller Park. Yeah he has his short comings defensively at times, but i dont think its gonna be that bad. Comes down to, who would you rather have in your batting order? The light hitting martin or grandal who hits 25 homeruns a year and is a threat at the plate?
You can deny it all you want but the Dodgers SIGNIFICANTLY downgraded at the catchers position
Grandall in the small Miller park will hit easily 30 bombs with 75 RBI’s LA made a mistake they’ve given away a lot of HR’s without replacing
People need to understand that catchers that are great hitters are the exception not the rule. Grandal hits 25 home runs a year, Martin doesn’t hit much but makes your entire pitching staff better. I know what I’d prefer
Brewer fan trying to trash talk is the weirdest thing in the world
I know, right?
Just like when you won the World Series by dumping all your players last year. No addition, no subtraction. Nothing to see here folks.
Sometimes the best move is the one you don’t make. You can say the Dodgers whiffed on JTR but then so far everyone has and I would say this isn’t a whiff. Multiple teams have reacted this way to the Marlins price in JTR. That’s what this move is about.
I don’t think anyone saw this coming
I did. Proof in previous comments.
And we can all just so easily find those comments can’t we? =\
It was 27 beers ago.
Reminds me of the good old days when we used to describe driving distances in terms of adult beverages, such as …
… Memphis is a good twelve-pack from here. New Orleans, a case.
Actually a lot of people saw it coming, there was multiple articles on it
Literally called this a few times in these forums…
Love the trade. Veteran behind the plate with dodger blue experience.
Not resigning Yasmani makes a lot of sense now. Especially after a few sites (think yahoo) used Martin’s contract as a comparable.
They got a worse catcher for more. hardly worth it.
Jays are going to eat most of Martin’s salary.
How is it more? They paying way less and the 18 million Yasmani signed for
Jays are definitely eating at least 80% of the 20M
Dark side – you’ve got a point, the amount of salary Toronto is eating has to be considered.
The Blue Jay’s will pay most of this contract bud
Jays’ll recoup it all and then some, as fans flock to watch Vlad Jr. play.
Ayy, Reese McGuire has a chance at some real playing time now.
Yeah he will be getting starting reps in AAA. Jansen and Maile on the Jays.
I’d say that’s correct.. Maile and Jansen.. McGuire is the man in AAA
OK. I kind of hoped that Realmutto would be wearing the Blue, but this gets us to 2020 and Ruiz and Smith.
He should be, but the Marlins are stubbornly asking for way too much. Curious to see the final package they ultimately end up with.
Ya, I think we’re all waiting and wondering.
Right now it looks like Realmuto will go to the Astros with Tucker as the primary return.
They’re about to trade Barnes+ for Realmuto
Do you really believe they’d have to wait to acquire a back up before making that deal?
Now Pillar and Smoak next!!
Yeah buddy.. both should be playing on other teams this year.. and I’d bet one one of the two at minimum is going to go
I’ll drink to that. Make it happen.
Amen to Pillar and Smoak next.
Let’s not forget the faint hope that they can pay Morales to play for anyone that’d take him!
Hey Jays fans, what ever happened to Pompey?
Pompey was never going to be a stable mover. Just Prospect RaRa.
Ask Anthopoulos and that front office. They were higher on hi, than Pillar. And higher on Amthony Gose.
… and so it goes.
Morales after that horrendous start actually had a pretty productive season and with be a good mentor for the young Latin kids. And tbh played an ok first base.. he will be needed if they trade smoakey
I called this!!!!!
Yea you did. I actually remember seeing you comment this. Good call! I didn’t see this coming at all.
I was waiting for someone to say “sure you did” lol. Thanks for the acknowledgment, which rarely happens here !!
Yea most people are pretty brutal on here lol. I remember your comment because it stood out to me, I always wanted him to come back to the Dodgers but never thought it would happen.
At the few million he gets paid (by the dodgers) you’re going to happy happy, the way he calls games and plays.. all the problems with grandal including his salary disappear.. just have to deal with less offence
I actually agree with you. At first I wasn’t happy about it, I just because at first glance his offensive numbers took a huge hit but digging deeper he actually still is a very disciplined hitter and good being the plate. Glad to have him back.
Wow
Watch LA fans spin this as an upgrade over Grandal.
Here’s ,my response to your passive aggressive anti-LA play. As long as Russ can catch a throw home and tag the runner out without completely missing one or the other, then I’ll be happy.
With the top two catching prospects in minor leagues, I ain’t too worried about Grandal. How bout dem apples?
No, why should you be worried about an automatic out in your 8-spot for the next year or 2?
Grandal gets hot for 30 days a year. Ruiz and Smith are both one year away; Smith could be up in Sept.
Whee!
Not an automatic out.. check out walk rate.. and besides last year. His OPS
Sure, a catcher in his mid-30s will only get better! Lol ok I’m sorry guys I have nothing against Martin. There was just so much talk by Dodgers fans about how Grandal wasn’t a good signing. It’s just my opinion, but I think the Brewers will have a better catching tandem than the Dodgers in 2019. After this year, that won’t be the case! Luckily I have my sights set on 2019 moreso than 2020.
Grandal is good if you are worried about your team making the playoffs. If you are worried about winning in the playoffs, he is the last player you want on your team. Honestly, the dodgers would have been better off just leaving him off the playoff roster and calling up some random catcher from AAA.
Yes – Martin who has a higher OBP than Grandal over the last two years, is the definition of an automatic out.
Exactly
That awesome .663 OPS? Only 150 points lower than Grandal. Perfect offensive replacement.
Not to mention Grandal had a 15 FRAA vs 8.1 for Martin.
Grandal was better on offense and defense and not by just a little bit.
A few bad games in the playoffs and Dodger fans get stupid.
After watching the playoffs, the FRAA stat should be re-examined or eliminated entirely. Martin can still frame and he was a massive reason why the 2016 Jays pitching was as good as it was.
Who said this is an offensive replacement? This belligerence of yours, where you tell us emphatically what is we supposedly think, is quite weak.
Grandal will hit 30 HR’s this year I bet you could say the same for this Mendoza hitting martin
I bet Grandal plays a worse dish than Martin. That’s because they have different types of strength. That’s why implying Martin as an offensive replacement is a weak point.
Or two? You think they’re extending him? Or did you put as much thought into that asinine part of your comment as you did the rest? Pud.
Martin can also play the infield in a pinch. He’s like a Swiss Army knife but an old one, with a squeaky hinge.
I’m not spinning anything, but I do remember Martin always being a clutch hitter! Grandal is not! Not the power of Grandal, but with LA catching future looking very bright, I’m happy! Way better then over paying Miami or Grandal on a 4 year deal!
Clutch hitting is not a skill. It might exist as a feature at times, but it’s been shown time and time again to not be a repeatable skill. The latest research on this: baseballprospectus.com/news/article/38519/prospect…
Before kemp got traded I said a 1 for 1 and after it was still a good fit. He’s excellent the staff and will pair nicely with Barnes
Let the Danny Jansen era begin!
Yessssss..kids ready and deserving
Danny Jansen is going to be very very good, especially with the bat. Jays fans are going to like him.
It also explains why Maile is currently on the Jays caravan.
That’ll do for this year. Hope Jays paid at least half of that contract.
I’d say they pay 16 of the 20m
no more than 11 mil gettin paid
Jays pay 16m or more.. dodgers 2-5 mil tops
I’m thinking $14m/$6m split
Martin is better than Lucroy and he got $6.5m
Lucroy got $3.35m not $6.5m
Called this too.. I was pretty close saying the jays pay 16m
I wonder what the Dodgers gave in the trade………
Does Russ have enough for a half-season LA rejuvenation? Put on your salary caps!
I honestly don’t know if this means they’re moving away from JT or if a trade for him is imminent.
It could mean either or. My money is on them acquiring JTR.
Three way trade with Reds. Reds get JT and Flip to Dodgers for Pitcher.
I wonder why they made this trade. I really don’t get it personally. Would rather them go with Barnes and get one or their young catching prospects playing time. Looks like a time share behind the plate for Barnes and Martin. Was always a fan of Martin but at this stage, with him really not hitting and making 20 million in this final year, I’d much rather have gone another route. Guess that 24 million in cap space was for an old washed up catcher instead of Harper like most Dodgers fan like myself thought lol
Have to wait and see how much Jays paid and what prospects they got in return before judging. I would have liked to see Smith and Barnes this year but obviously he (Smith) isn’t ready or getting traded. Harper wasn’t happening no matter what. Sorry dude.
Security blanket in case they don’t get JTR.
Just in case…. you buggin! No JT in LA… this is the official bow out of the JT sweepstakes
Not necessarily. People are acting like this is Russell Martin from 2007 and 2008. They could very will acquire JTR and make Russell the backup and use Barnes as trade bait or a third catcher/utility player.
nobody is trading for barnes… he is a bumb
No, he really isn’t.
I guess reading about his season last season it wasn’t all bad. He could be a nice addition and they aren’t paying all of the 20 million so I’m good with it. Welcome back, old friend!
The kids arent ready, needed that one year bridge. As for Harper, do we really need another LH bat?
Martin will be the perfect cheap stop gap for those top prospects in the minors
Now knowing they are barely paying any of his salary I love the deal even more than I already started to lol. Smart move by the team. I’m still hopeful we get another bat though. Maybe Pollock, he’s be a nice right handed bat to the team which we need.
What’s next? Andre Ethier on 1 yr deal, Chad Billingsley to the bullpen? Get it done FO.
At the rate he makes (dodgers pay 2-5m) he’s worth it.. he’s an excellent defensive catcher. Good in the clubhouse, takes a ton of walks.. if he rebounds at all, he will be a steal
Here comes Gagne!
Gagne with a spoon
lot of up and down on those knees and hips at 35 yo.
the last few years have not been pretty and a steady decline..
.194./.338/.325 last year.
hard to believe Martin is viewed as the everyday catcher for the Dodgers in 2019…
Time split most likely.
He can play the infield too homie. Lol
He can’t hit homie. Doesn’t matter where he plays if he can’t hit. Do you really want to see him take AB away from Bellinger at 1B?
Viewed by whom?
Dodger FO
Would’ve liked Martin to have mentored Jansen this year. But if the deal was too good to pass up for Toronto then the trade is fine.
After watching Grandal in October I can safely say an over-the-hill Martin is a defensive upgrade regardless of the stats you want to use. Martin can frame and will be a good influence on that pitching staff, and even for Barnes.
And now with the players involved, looks pretty good for the Jays.
Alex Verdugo, Mitchell White (or Dennis Santana), and Austin Barnes for Realmuto. Maybe throw in Starlin Castro since LA needs a 2B now.
Dodgers are out on JT… he is going to the Braves
He is not going to the Braves. Trust me on that.
why? Marlins are running out of partners to trade him too…. its either the rays or braves…. unless you think Miami is gonna keep him LOL LMAO
Marlins do not want to trade him in their own division. Even if he’s with the Marlins going into the season, they can trade him at the deadline.
at this point they are trading him to the team with the best offer… what do they care about trading within the division? they are gonna be losers anyway… that is the least of their worries…. if they wait till the deadline they will surely get less than what is on the table for him right now!
The point is, they arent taking what is on the table now….
Are you drunk
Astros, most likely.
Rather see them go get Kluber now
We don’t need more infielders
Marlins price is probably way too more than that
Uh Oh. This was the team i was almost sure JT would be traded too as they has the most need and my favorite prospects. This is No Bueno for us Marlins fans!
Be interesting to hear what the conversation is now in the Marlins FO
Their LOL at this big move, LOL
Should probably be noted that Russ’ versatility is probably pretty valuable to a NL team as well.
What versatility? He can’t hit and his only value is as a defensive catcher.
He can play anywhere if needed without looking out of place.
He can play ss 3b and 2b if needed , and doesn’t do a terrible job at it either.
at his age he’ll be lucky to bend over
Had a start at SS last year too.. came up as a 3B and is super athletic
I’ve seen Martin play 3B and 2B on occasion, and I know he’s also done spot duty in the OF. He didn’t look out of place at all the infield, though that was admittedly a few years ago.
Hmmm…. wonder if Chad Billingsley is available?
A minor league SS (we have too many already) and a starter.
Decent . Not overly excited tho
Would rather 2 pitchers
LMAO. $20 million for a 36-year-old guy that can’t hit his weight. And the Dodger’s gave up 2 decent prospects, too. This trade is hilarious. Hope the Dodgers got most of that ridiculous salary paid by the Jays. Even if the Jays paid all of it, its a losing situation for the Dodgers.
If you even have to ask if the Jays are paying his salary you are on something. Sure lets trade for Martin and take on all his money, while we could have signed Grandal for 18
Reading comprehension is fundamental. Those California schools sure helped you to understand what you read. NOT.
“Hope the Dodgers got most of that ridiculous salary paid by the Jays. Even if the Jays paid all of it, its a losing situation for the Dodgers.”
Dude, your brain has been melted by all that Cali sunshine. Or maybe it’s the recreational mota.
Na its actually your reading skills. I saw you realized they wont pay much of it. But the thought of it even popping in your head shows how out of touch you are. Get ready for your last place giants troll
@your daddy
Keep sippin on the hatorade Midget troll!
Obviously not paying the whole contract. Dodgers gave up 2 decent prospects? I guess the 2 we got in that Reds deal are super studs in your book right?
OOOOO what a comeback. Is that all you got? A 36 year old, .195 hitter in decline that doesn’t play near as good of defense as Grandal. Hope you are happy. No matter how much the Jays pay of that contract, its a losing situation for the Dodgers.
The Rockies tied the Dodgers last season and it’s obvious that they will take the West in 2019 now that Friedman is making moves like this instead of going after good players.
Now I see what I’m dealing with. Your hate of the Dodgers clouds your mind. Anything they do you will hate on. Cont. to sip
Guess that’s F U Miami
Once again, Dodgers management continues to make good decisions. It defied common sense for them to use $18 million in resources to pay Grandal; a catcher they didn’t even have the confidence to put on the field in the playoffs. Furthermore, only an idiot would deal top prospects like Verdugo for 2 years of Realmuto. Martin will play good defense, provide leadership and his offense should perk up a bit playing in paradise. Plus, most of his salary will be paid by the Jays. Another savvy decision.
He’s not going to put them over the top though. Another World Series loss is pending for them this season. They could very well not even make the WS this year.
The Dodgers didn’t need Grandal to win the World Series the past two seasons. They needed better bullpen management from Roberts.
I hear ya’ brother.
You could say ‘very well not even make the WS this year” about every team in baseball. That isn’t a revelation. The Dodgers, Rockies, Brewers, Cubs, Cardinals, Braves and Phillies all could make arguments about being WS contenders and some teams are not far off in NL I didn’t mention. Martin doesn’t change you a ton but he doesn’t lower you to a lower tier and he does have a different skill set he brings to the table (Because the miscues for Grandal definitely played a role in a couple postseason moments). Maybe that ends up being a piece that helps but once the playoffs hit anyone can get hot. It is about getting to the playoffs.
Very good point however, in Martin, they’ve downgraded at catcher as opposed to staying the same or improving. Which is not good for any WS aspiring team… and they have the prospect depth to acquire JTR. Trust me. Why not make the move and go all in the next two years? Guarantee you that if they come knocking at the Marlins door with a Verdugo, Will Smith, Dennis Santana package, or a Ruiz, Santana and Pederson package, the Marlins won’t say no. Just because the marlins are playing hard ball doesn’t mean that other teams are playing hard ball right back. Everyone seems to be low balling the Marlins right now. IM just saying it from my POV. To get the best catcher in baseball, someone will need to pay up with two top 100 prospects. Or at least one with two or three more solid prospects in a package… you know, everyone is quick to write off the Marlins but they’ve learnt from their mistakes with guys like Yelich. They’re not willing to sell low on the best catcher in baseball and I give them credit for that.
“The Dodgers, Rockies, Brewers, Cubs, Cardinals, Braves and Phillies all could make arguments about being WS contenders”
Rockies, Braves and Phillies would be engaging in fraud if they made this claim.
The Braves should be embarrassed with their showing in October. If not for the home plate umpire assisting Acuna the Braves would have been swept and swept out in humiliating fashion.
@stretch123
This move wasn’t to put them over the top.
That’s why they go get Kluber with the prospects they didn’t blow on Realmuto
Yep, the asking price for Realmuto is too high and Grandal is a catcher who can’t catch. The only thing the Dodgers need at that position is a player who can do his job consistently. That isn’t Grandal.
You’re right, and I think this sets up a big move..
Love the trade from the Blue Jays end. They free up playing time for Jensen and McGuire, get a little money off the books, and acquire two solid depth pieces to their organization. Brito is very young, has a great feel for hitting, is okay at SS, most likely moves to 2B full time where he can be an excellent defender. I definitely think he will be an everyday regular in the majors.
Relax, it’s January. There’s no doubt in my mind that when the playoffs start the Dodgers roster will be fortified and superb.
Toronto is paying a washed up Tulo 38 million and Martin 20 million to play for other teams. I’d accept 10% of the league minimum not to play for them at all, or attend any of their games. What a bargain, eh?
This organization serves as the bad example of baseball management. No wonder players are getting upset that the other teams are learning not to be so stupid.
I’m sure you’ll come crawling back when they open up the wallet to surround Vlad and Bo in the 2020 and 2021 offseasons….
Agreed
There’s no way any wallet will be “opened” by Rogers ownership. They’ll exploit those guys then trade both before arbitration.
Rogers self-imposed budgets for 2016 and 2017 hindered them. Went after B and C free agents and one luckily struck (Happ). I don’t have faith in Rogers, so the hope is the Jays draft superb.
Given the paucity of return from LA, I presume that the Jays are not picking up TOO much of Martin’s salary? I mean, a Dominican who may never pan out and a pitcher who will never be more than “rotation depth”?
Living in LA and following the local media, I can say that many true Dodger fans were fed up with Grandal and he will not be missed. A proven, veteran plus defensive catcher IS an upgrade for a team that had no problem scoring runs, but struggled preventing them with a defensive inept catcher. This is NOT a case of Dodger fans being blind homers. Grandal is extremely overrated, perhaps why he only inked a one year deal.
Very random and even though I was a fan of Martin’s when he was here the first time. He was probably my favorite Dodger at one point. I loved how hard he played but that was a long time ago. He became a swing for the fences player and the rest of his game suffered because of it. With all of the top free agents coming off of the market. The front office backed themselves into a corner because now it’s either Harper or nothing and Scott Boras knows that.
It’s Harper or nothing? What are you talking about?
Dodgers were never going to sign Harper. FO will not go over the luxury threshold. I would argue the Dodgers are better off this year than last. We lost nothing in the trades this year. Drama queen Kemp and Kid Puig are no longer clubhouse distractions and allows our players more playing time and less stupid platooning.
Kemp/Puig/Grandal/Wood. They may not be superstars but they were all quality players that helped us reach the world series for a second straight year. We haven’t made any moves this offseason that have made us any better. If anything we have gotten worse and personally I don’t even want Harper. But it’s better than cutting salary just to save money while trying to compete for a world series. Friedman is a joke.
Besides Grandal, all those players were extra. They left zero holes in our lineup. I think this years team will have better mojo in the clubhouse and actually be able to get solid playing time. Love that Friedman is a joke taking a team to the WS twice. Yeah we lost, sucks, but this is just the beginning. Stop hating
Your last statement hit the nail on the head. Friedman has always been grossly over-rated. He’d be better off assisting his former partner Zaidi over in the SF FO.
The good news is that the Dodgers got their catcher without losing Verdugo, Ruiz or Smith – the bad news is that catcher is Martin!
I’ll take Martin. Between him and Barnes it’ll do for now. Survive for a year, hopefully one of the rookies will be ready.
This is the point of view I think most people are missing
The article speaks about Barnes playing the infield but doesn’t mention Martin also plays the infield lol..
He even played some outfield last year ! Damn I forgot about that lol
What, Loduca wasnt available?
Steve Yeager is holding out for more money, apparently.
Scioscia was Friedman’s 1st choice for catcher but he insisted on taking off at least 1 year before taking the job on so they moved on to Martin.
I didn’t see him at all last year, but I know that Martin brings value well beyond his offensive output to any team. I wouldn’t be shocked to see him pick up some playing time at positions other than catcher; he’s filled in just fine at a few positions in the recent past. I hope he does really well in LA, he’s a fun guy to root for.
he is gonna be the new starter at 2nd base LMAO
what i love about this is seeing russ when the dodgers play the pirates.
probably means dodgers are out on the JT and Cervelli market… ?
Good point about Cervelli, last I had read about him, LA seemed like the team most interested.
Wouldn’t surprise me if Barnes was now shipped back to the Marlins in a Realmuto deal where he’d reunite with Mattingly. I’ll eat my Dodgers hat if Verdugo ends up being a part of the deal.
If not Verdugo, who do you think should be sent for Realmuto?
Personally I wouldn’t deal for a Realmuto since Dodgers have the number one catching prospect knocking down the door. But if I did trade for Realmuto I’d consider moving Lux and/or May and Barnes. Plenty of other prospects that might interest Marlins like Santana, Rios, Peters, Kendall. If I were forced to deal Verdugo he’d go for Kluber. He’s going to be that good of a hitter.
Exactly, No Realmuto.
Verdugo package for Kluber.
Ruiz is not ranked higher that Mejia or Bart.
May, Luz, & Cartaya should be good to headline the trade for Fish
Or, sign Harper and keep Verdugo, Ruiz, Santana, Lux, etc., to make the total team salary palatable for the upcoming years.
@ricky
Sign Harper sign Harper???
Dodgers are not going over the luxury tax threshold. Get it out of your heads people!
I like this trade for both sides.
Russell Martin has an uncanny habit of getting decent rotations to the playoffs. He is great in the room. He is a future MLB manager. His best bat days are behind him but he is probably good for catching half the games and hitting 10 bombs and .220.
THe Jays get rid of a spare part and pick up minor league inventory. It will give room for Jansen and Maile to catch. I guess the Jays like Maile as Jansen’s mentor. No question maile is good defensively but he can’t call a game like Russell could. I would rather have seen Maile go, but I’ll take it.
The prospects the Jays received are just inventory nothing more. One is a fringe MLB level guy and the other isn’t getting a sniff of the big leagues, but that is not the point. Perhaps the Jays can package these prospects with a Major Leaguer and get some elite prospects back.
Even if Martin can’t go back to being productive with the bat, he’s still a decent defensive catcher, and great for some of the Dodgers young pitchers.
Agree completely. When he was in Pittsburgh everybody seemed to spend more time time talking about how important Russell was off of the field. Guys couldn’t stop raving about him.
Yea, I was sad when he left. But he’s great for the clubhouse.
This is the same move the Braves made when they acquired McCann and what Houston did when they acquired Chirinos and now the Dodgers. They all went out and made moves that they could live with. It isn’t their preference but they aren’t going to pay the price the Marlins are demanding.
I think if you’re bringing in Martin as a back up to Barnes this isn’t the kind of move a Championship team makes. Martin is better suited as a coach. He hasn’t been useful in a couple of years now. This is a weak move that signals that the FO is more interested in the bottom line than winning.
Na’, Dodgers ultimate playoff roster will be Badass. Mark my words.
Dodgers? Playoffs?
Very expensive low hanging fruit….. Yikes move…
No Cerveli to the Dodgers then. Closes that rumor.
I like this move a lot, hope Russell is energized by the trade and bounces back strong next year
I hope the jays are paying 19,999,999.99 toward that deal. Barnes is the happiest guy in LA right now as this should make him the starter.
Imo there’s a good chance Barnes will be dealt in a package for Realmuto. If so, Martin would assume Barnes’ backup catcher and utility role.
Agree
Not for one minute do I think the catching situation has been solidified for 2019. That said, maybe Martin can go back and get reacquainted with Alyssa Milano, who ruined his career when she dumped him his last go-round in LA.
I agree that Alyssa was a big mistake for Russell…but ruin his career? He’ll have made $82m from his current contract when it expires…
LA is really digging deep to bring this guy back, at his age and his robust .194 BA, this is a LOL move
And batting average is a good stat? Look at zinuno stats.. horrible average, walks a lot and good defensively.. same as Martin
I think he’s the back up. Austin Barnes going in deal for Realmuto. Or, there’s other big deals coming cause he’s not the right hand bat they need. If the plan is to go in to the season with two 200 hitters behind the plate, there has to be a lot more coming.
was happy to have russ.
happy he’s gone.
bring on the kids.
That is A LOT of money to eat for the Jays.
…and?
I really like this trade for a stop gap backup/time share. Now I’m not expecting Martin of old or to catch more than w80-100 games, but he fits defensively. The versatility aspect isn’t important with the Dodgers having versatility throughout the roster. So I don’t see Martin stealing ABs since his bat won’t demand it, nor is he better than Freese at 3rd or anywhere else. Defensively he’s still pretty good. It also doesn’t preclude them from another move for the likes of Cervelli or JTR.
As much as I like JT, I’m not sure they need an offensive type C. They need a RH corner they can plop in the lineup, and theoretically not have to worry about the wear and tear. And I get how great JTR is, but the offensive value is good yet somewhat relative to the position. This is a depth move that fits their needs and doesn’t preclude them from making other moves especially being $0 against the threshold.
It is reported that the Marlins want a good Major League catcher or an elite prospect for JTR. I don’t think the Dodgers want to give up an elite prospect for JTR.
Got him for cheap, thankfully.
Jays pay 80%. Martin will backup, give Austin a shot. I like the kid and I think he’ll have a nice breakout year.
Blue Jays are spending money, but not in the typical and traditional way!
Still not as bad as the Orioles paying out Chris Davis for how many more years?!?
The move makes little sense to me. Granted, it’s a low-cost move b/c the trade only cost the Dodgers 2 low-level prospects & Toronto is picking up the vast majority of Martin’s contract, but even so… Martin is not much of an upgrade, if at all, over Barnes. Anyone hoping that Martin will have a bounce back year is really just fooling themselves. Martin’s BA has declined steadily each year since 2014. And the reality is that he’s been a relatively poor hitter since he left the Dodgers, hitting above .240 only 1x since 2010. Even w/ the poor BA, he had some decent pop, but even that’s gone now. On the other hand, Barnes is far more likely to have a bounce back year that Martin. Barnes is only 29 yrs. old, & has hit for a solid average in the minors, & had a solid yr. 2 yrs. ago. Martin isn’t really an upgrade over Barnes w./ the glove either. Essentially, the trade brought in a guy who is at best comparable (or at worst, much worse) than a player the Dodgers already had…
Martin is the veteran backup for Barnes, or possibly the backup for Realmuto. Barnes could now be included in the package of players going to Miami. Martin in 2018 was excellent in framing and blocking stats,
Barnes is the starting catcher and Martin is the backup catcher. All the backup catcher has to do is play defense. If they could hit and play defense, they would be a starting catcher.
Who care about batting average
Sopko was in AA last year, not a low level guy. Brito is gunna be an everyday regular with the potential for more.
I sort of look at this move as a “Jeff Mathis” type of move. Very good defense, don’t expect much offense. He will be a great back up for whomever is their regular catcher.
Maybe Martin goes to the marlins an experienced cater for young pitchers
Catcher….opps
Makes a lot of sense
Creates significant flexibility for management on the cash side, 18mil vs 4mil in 2019 and zero in 2020; in roster say for any other move that they might be considering JTR, Harper, Kluber or several others; or in trade deadline moves where someone expensive comes available
How management uses this flexibility is the question we Dodger fans are anxious to see; is it to be a missed opportunity??
That sounds about right for cash value
He sucks, always been overrated. Every once in a while produces a good year… but he’s not good
Your GM disagrees.
Has no effect on my thoughts. My gm also kept Sam freeman and Adam Duvall. We have prospects that we have let walked that could perform just as bad as these guys and cost far less
GREAT. Let’s help out the poor Dodgers by paying MOST of Martin’s salary since they are such a wonderful organization. NOW, what can we do to help the Yankees?
I’d say the concept of “value” is lost on you, eh?
Russell Nathan Coltrane Jeanson-Martin Jr. Coolest name in baseball.
Jeezus Friedman, this is embarrassing.
You must be a Ned fan. Friedman just cleared that crap out. It’ll get fun next year.
Somebody please explain to me why the Dodgers wanted him? He is still good defesively, but a .194 batting average. Ouch!!! He walked quite bit so his OBP was pretty good. He struck out quite bit and SLG was low. His offense value was subpar for a backup catcher. I question his WARo. His age makes the Dodgers’ decision questionable for me. The two proscepts were throws-ins. I think that the Blue Jays are happy+smiling. Dodgers rational is confusing.
Hoping one of the catchers have a decent year. Being Barnes or Martin. Survive until one of the rookies are ready and save Bellinger and the farm from the Marlins. The farm is still intact if something doesn’t work out and they need to make a fix. Just like getting moron Machado last year.
How about Ruiz or Smith? I think for 3.6 million they could get a better backup. Martin could provide some clubhouse leadership and his craftiness could makeup for his age. Game calling is not seen in stats
Kershaw on the mound with a 2 -1 lead in the 6th. None on, 2 outs and Kersh gets the batter swinging on a curve in the dirt. Except Grandal didnt do a good job blocking it so the batter reaches safely and Kersh is charged with a wild pitch. Next batter up there and on the third pitch Grandal gets crossed-up because he cant remember what pitch he just called. Runner on first advances to 2nd. Clean single up the middle and Bellinger comes up throwing with a perfect one-hop laser to Grandal at the plate in plenty of time to get the runner. Except Grandal doesnt catch the throw. Run scores, batter ends up on third taking an extra base when the ball deflected off Grandal’s glove. Tie score. Kersh walks the #8 hitter to face the pitchers spot. Pinch hitter. Tough AB, 9 pitches, and he bloops one into right-center to plate the go ahead run.
All that because Grandal couldnt handle strike three. Martin aint no Grandal.
Should have signed Wilson for the stop gap. This is a pray that Martin or Barnes works out… maybe Martin was signed as a second baseman which they also need haha still crazy Martin can play manageable short for the majors being a catcher and all…
For some reason I thought this headline was “dodgers acquire addison russell” and I thought YES Cubs finally did the right thing!! But no, the chicago cubs still have cancer.
and right after I predicted the Dodgers make a strong effort to get JT Realmuto…. Its all about me.
Somebody has to back-up Realmutto, maybe it’s Martin.
Dodgers already have a decent backup C in Austin Barnes. I know Grandal had a bad playoff run, but he’s a better option than Martin.
Tell me there’s another leg to this trade? Maybe JT Realmuto? By my count, that’s $55mn being paid by the Jays so their fans can watch Tulo and Russ resurrect their careers on the potential teams that will meet in the 2019 World Series.
Why wouldn’t it be better for TOR to make a trade with the Cubs?( if they inquired)
They need a good, veteran backstop such as R. Martin.
If you take back Heyward and/or Chatwood and spend money there, you get value and possible bounce backs. This just seemed like a good fit. Unless these prospects are legit, I don’t understand.
No Kemp, No Puig, No Grandal, offense is disappearing. I know lets bring in a .194 hitter. We go through this every year watching all the big name FA’s come off the board while Friedman does nothing, hoping a quick trade at the deadline will work. Guess what Andrew, it doesn’t!!
Anyone see Russell Martin pitch last night?
Great reliever.
Makes you wonder why the Jays traded him, they could use some pitching these days.