Dodgers Rumors: Three Players the Team Should Attempt to Trade For
By Jason Reed
Kurt Suzuki
The Dodgers already have a great catcher in Yasmani Grandal. Grandal has shown extreme flashes of power and manageable defense behind the plate. Leading all catchers in home runs last season, common sense may say that the Dodgers do not need a catching platoon. In this case, common sense is wrong.
As of now, Austin Barnes is Yasmani Grandal’s backup behind the plate. Barnes seems to be a great kid that has the potential to blossom as a decent starting option in the future. Also, his ability to play second base is so valuable to the Dodgers franchise, especially considering their injury history.
However, my argument is that Austin Barnes may not be ready for a split platoon at the big league level. Although he has received playing time in the big leagues, perhaps one more full season in AAA could benefit Barnes. Heck, we may even see Barnes dealt for a more purposeful option down the line, much like the team dealing A.J. Ellis.
That is where Kurt Suzuki comes in. Not only does he provide a good platoon to Grandal, he serves as a veteran behind the dish, likely playing into Clayton Kershaw’s hands. Despite being a switch-hitter, Grandal struggles to find his power from the right side of the plate, only slugging three home runs.
Suzuki would provide that good bat against left-handed pitching that the Dodgers to desperately need. Suzuki batted .275 with a .450 on-base percentage against left-handers last season.
Although the Braves did just sign Suzuki, if they could get more on their investment they would undoubtedly make this deal happen. With Suzuki being a back-up, all the Dodgers need to do is offer the Braves a viable rotation arm.