The Los Angeles Dodgers ultimately addressed their catching void with the acquisition of familiar face Russell Martin, who returns to the organization that originally selected him in the 35th round of the 2002 MLB Draft.
But even with Martin aboard, the Dodgers are said to still be in the market for catching help. The club reportedly remains in the mix to acquire Miami Marlins All-Star J.T. Realmuto, with top prospect Keibert Ruiz a potential trade chip.
In a lesser move to shore up their depth at the position, the Dodgers recently agreed to terms with veteran catcher Josh Thole on a Minor League contract.
According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, Thole can opt out of his pact with Los Angeles on July 1 should he not receive a Major League promotion:
Veteran catcher Josh Thole can opt out of his #Dodgers minor-league contract on July 1 if not on #MLB roster roster. He'll be paid $600K if he reaches the big leagues.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) January 22, 2019
Thole, 32, has eight years of Major League experience under his belt for both the New York Mets and Toronto Blue Jays. He has primarily served as a backup catcher and was most notably the personal backstop for 2012 National League Cy Young Award winner R.A. Dickey.
Thole has not appeared at the Major League level since 2016 and has struggled at the plate for the better part of his career. But whether the former 2005 draft pick sees time with Los Angeles next season will likely depend on any potential injuries that arise.
It isn’t uncommon for the Dodgers to call up Minor League veterans and prevent them from opting out, most recently doing so with Brandon Morrow in 2017. The right-hander went on to thrive and eventually established himself as a key member of the bullpen for the stretch run that season.
