Last night the Dodgers non-tendered Russell Martin and then quickly answered questions about their post-Martin catching situation by re-signing Rod Barajas to a one-year deal.
Barajas was claimed off waivers from the Mets following Martin’s hip injury and played well down the stretch, hitting .297 with five homers and a .939 OPS in 25 games. However, he hit just .225 with a .677 OPS in 74 games for the Mets and is a 35-year-old career .239 hitter whose 20-homer power is canceled out by a ghastly .284 on-base percentage.
General manager Ned Colletti indicated that Barajas “would take the lion’s share” of starts behind the plate, with minor-league veteran A.J. Ellis serving as his backup, although the Dodgers haven’t officially ruled out re-signing Martin. Colletti and Dodgers fans were no doubt impressed by Barajas’ performance down the stretch, but he’s likely to disappoint over a full season.