Los Angeles Dodgers: Smartest trades to execute if not J.T. Realmuto
By Jason Reed
The first of three deals on this list includes a potential platoon partner for Austin Barnes. The thing I am realizing more and more as I dissect a potential Realmuto trade and what the Dodgers realize the more and more I realize that Austin Barnes might not be getting his fair share.
Sure, he had a pretty bad season last year but was coming off of a 2017 season in which he established himself as one of the best catchers in the league. That at least has some impact in the Dodgers’ decision-making process this winter and who, if anyone, the team wants to bring in alongside Barnes.
If the front office does want to add an external piece to split time with Barnes I think the front office should look no further than Francisco Cervelli.
Cervelli hits left-handed pitching fairly well and Austin Barnes is at his best when he gets consistent at-bats against right-handed pitching. The Dodgers had a reverse platoon with Grandal and that hurt Barnes.
In the deal, the Dodgers would trade a mid-tier catching prospect in Connor Wong. This is more than enough for the Pirates to trade away the expiring contract of Cervelli while also being something the Dodgers can afford with a fair amount of catchers in the farm.