The San Francisco Giants could consider free-agent catcher Russell Martin in their search for experienced catchers now that Buster Posey has decided to opt out of the 2020 season amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Martin is 37 years old, but the Dodgers loved his experience and leadership last year. With Aramis Garcia unlikely to play this year after having hip surgery, the Giants are thin on catching depth and may not want to expose top prospect Joey Bart to major league action just yet, even in a 60-game season. Martin hit just .220/.337/.330 with six home runs and 20 RBI in 209 at-bats in 2019 for the Dodgers, and he hasn't been much of an offensive force since 2016 with Toronto. The 14-year veteran wouldn't be more than a low-end second backstop in deep two-catcher leagues if he were to sign with San Francisco.
The Oakland Athletics and New York Mets and a few other teams have checked in on free-agent catcher Russell Martin. Martin has already turned down a few offers as he prioritizes a family situation, but he still wants to play in 2020. The 37-year-old Canadian is at the end of his career and will surely just be veteran depth for whichever team he signs with. He hit just .220/.337/.330 with six home runs and 20 RBI for the Dodgers in 2019 in just 209 at-bats. It's highly unlikely that Martin becomes an option for fantasy owners if he continues to play this year.
Free-agent catcher Russell Martin intends to play in 2020, according to sources. Martin has turned down some opportunities in the offseason in order to tend to a family matter, but he's expected to re-enter the market in the next few weeks and resume talks with interested teams. The 36-year-old (37 on Saturday) is a veteran of 14 seasons and has been an All-Star four times, but at this point in his career he's strictly a backup. The Canadian native had only 209 at-bats with the Dodgers in 2019 and hit a measly .220/.337/.330 with six home runs and 20 RBI. Martin hasn't hit over .250 since 2014 with the Pirates and hasn't played in over 100 games since 2016 with Toronto. He's off the fantasy map for now and likely won't move the needle much at all if he's playing somewhere this year.
Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Russell Martin, who is 36 years old, is already working out and plans to return for his 15th season in 2020. Martin has played for 10 postseason teams in his 14 years in the big leagues, but he's yet to win a World Series and remains hungry. The Dodgers will once again be a favorite to reach the World Series in 2020 despite getting knocked out in the divisional round by the eventual World Series winners in the Nationals. Martin hit just .220/.337/.330 with six home runs and 20 RBI in 209 at-bats last year, and he'll strictly be a backup in LA.
Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Russell Martin was 1-for-2 with a three-run home run and a walk during Tuesday's 5-3 win over the Colorado Rockies. The veteran backstop has now homered in back-to-back games. Despite the offensive showing, Martin does not start every day and only has 19 RBI on the season. Fade him in all fantasy formats as he is in the twilight of his storied career.
Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Russell Martin is in the starting lineup for Thursday's game against the San Diego Padres. The veteran catcher is normally the backup, but will draw the start with Austin Barnes (rest) sitting out. Martin will bat eighth and draw the start behind the plate versus righty Dinelson Lamet. He's been productive as a backup catcher, but he's not worth using in DFS contests on Thursday.
The Los Angeles Dodgers plan is to activate catcher Russell Martin (back) from the injured list in order to start on Sunday against the Pirates. Martin did have five hits in 15 at-bats (.333) with a homer before his injury, but he'll strictly serve as a backup behind the dish to Austin Barnes in LA. The 36-year-old has very limited offensive upside at this point of his career, so he should only be owned in deep two-catcher or NL-only leagues.
Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Russell Martin (back) is unlikely to go on the minor-league rehab assignment before he is activated from the 10-day injured list. Manager Dave Roberts said Monday that the plan is for Martin to face live pitching on Friday at Dodger Stadium. If that goes well he'll come off the injured list then. If you normally rely upon Martin for fantasy purposes, wait until he can officially return to the lineup and prove his health in a full game without any setbacks before plugging him back in. Rocky Gale will most likely be returned to the minors once Martin is given the green light.
Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Russell Martin (back) said he is getting "better" but "not as fast as I would like." The veteran backstop has been playing catch but hasn't done any other baseball activities. The 36-year-old had five hits in 15 at-bats with a home run before his injury. He'll strictly serve as a backup to Austin Barnes when he's healthy, so he has very little fantasy upside at this point in his career. Rocky Gale has been handling the backup duties with Martin sidelined.
Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Russell Martin (back) was ejected from Sunday's game against the Milwaukee Brewers for arguing balls and strikes from the dugout. Martin is currently on the 10-day injured list due to lower back inflammation, and he has yet to be cleared for baseball activities. However, his mouth still works just fine, and he was apparently yelling "Robot!" repeatedly at the home-plate umpire. With Martin on the shelf it is Rocky Gale serving as the backup backstop to Austin Barnes. Keep Martin reserved in all fantasy leagues until he can officially return and prove his health in a full game without any setbacks.
