MLB rumors: Dodgers eyeing Russell Martin reunion

Justin McGuire

MLB rumors: Dodgers eyeing Russell Martin reunion image

Baseball's offseason rumor mill is often more about churning out quantity than quality, so we’ll try our best to help you figure out which rumors are at least based in reality. 

The rumor: The Dodgers "are looking into bringing back top free agent catcher Russell Martin," CBSSports.com's Jon Heyman reports .

HOT STOVE: Top 10 free-agent infielders | Outfielders | Pitchers | Catchers

The rationale: The Los Angeles brass loves incumbent backstop A.J. Ellis' defense, but it is mighty concerned about his hitting (.191/.323/.254 with three homers in 93 games). Martin is a good defender who shuts down the running game and offers a huge upgrade offensively (.290/.402/.430, 11 home runs in 2014) over Ellis.

In addition, Martin's work with the Pirates' pitching staff has been a big part of Pittsburgh making back-to-back playoff appearances. That is appealing to a Dodger team that expects to make the postseason every year.

The team may see Ellis as an ideal backup to Martin.

MORE RUMORS: Dodgers to trade Kemp? | Mariners eyeing big-name free agents

The reality: Martin, the only catcher of any value on the free-agent market, is in demand. The Pirates want him back, the Cubs see him as a major part of taking the next step and the Blue Jays are interested. That means the three-time All-Star is in store for a big pay day. And nobody is in position to pay more than the Dodgers.

Martin got a qualifying offer, which means Los Angeles would sacrifice a draft pick to sign him. But the team has a well-stocked farm system and would likely be willing to take that hit.

If the Dodgers really want to bring Martin back to Chavez Ravine, you have to like their chances of landing him.

Justin McGuire