Dodgers Rumor Roundup: Bryce Harper, Kluber, Catching

Let’s squash a rumor together, shall we? JT Realmuto is almost certainly not happening and what is even more certainly a no-go is a package that would include Austin Barnes.

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Whether this was speculation, a rumor or just a wrong guess, the Dodgers traded for Russell Martin with the intention to use him. Martin brings excellent defense and a poor bat to the table but it does not change the fact that he will be on the Dodgers’ roster in 2019 paired almost certainly with Barnes.

But, why does this mean they are out on Realmuto you ask? I’ll tell you.

The Dodgers made their move for a catcher likely because the price on Realmuto was otherworldly. The ask was Cody Bellinger and more from the Dodgers and there was almost no situation in which Andrew Friedman swings that deal. It just won’t happen.

Also, the notion that Barnes could be included in the trade is even more ludicrous than the rest of this. Barnes is a former Marlin and he was traded to the Dodgers along with Enrique Hernandez in the deal that saw Dee Gordon off to the South Beach. The Marlins do not want him back and after the season he had in 2018, there is almost no value to his name.

Barnes aside, I think it is safe to say the Dodgers are out on the All-Star catcher from Miami even if the team makes more deals.

At the end of the day, you can call the offseason a disappointment or argue it was successful in the Dodgers ability to shed money ahead of a loaded 2020 free agent class. Regardless, the offseason is not over and the Dodgers can still make moves. These three, however, are looking unlikely.