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Dodgers: Which free agents should the Dodgers bring back?

By Michael Wittman

WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 06: Pitcher Hyun-Jin Ryu #99 of the Los Angeles Dodgers waits to pitch in the first inning of Game 3 of the NLDS against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on October 06, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 06: Pitcher Hyun-Jin Ryu #99 of the Los Angeles Dodgers waits to pitch in the first inning of Game 3 of the NLDS against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on October 06, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) /
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WASHINGTON, DC – OCTOBER 06: Russell Martin #55 of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrates as he the bases after hitting a two run home run in the ninth inning of Game 3 of the NLDS against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on October 06, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

Russell Martin’s mentorship still has value

Russell Martin returned to the Dodgers in 2019 and it was more than just a heartwarming homecoming story.  Russell Martin provided great mentorship to Austin Barnes and Will Smith that Dave Roberts talked about multiple times throughout the season.  Martin also ranked well defensively according to StatCorner’s catcher report.

Offensively, Russell Martin still has some pop left in his bat and can get on base at a decent rate for a backup catcher.  Will Smith will be the Dodgers’ primary catcher in 2020 but he is still young and if the Dodgers feel that Austin Barnes is not going to provide good veteran leadership, then bringing Martin back would be a wise decision.  If Barnes is ready to be that veteran backup catcher, then Russell Martin shouldn’t be brought back.

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