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The Dodgers are exploring the possibility of adding a backup catcher before the August 3 trade deadline, per DodgerBlue.com. Despite multiple reports suggesting the club is more likely to be a seller than a buyer this summer, a third catcher appears to be one area where the front office is still open to making a move. Manager Dave Roberts hinted at as much last week, citing the team’s looming roster crunch as players return from injury but acknowledging the need for catching depth.

This makes sense when you look at the current situation behind the plate. Will Smith has been sidelined and is only now resuming baseball activities — we covered his potential return earlier this week — but even when he’s back, the Dodgers have been running thin at the position. Austin Barnes has been the primary option in Smith’s absence, and while Barnes is a trusted veteran who has been with the organization since 2015, he’s never been someone you want logging heavy everyday reps. He’s a defense-first backup whose bat has always been limited, and at this stage of his career the wear of extended duty is a legitimate concern. Having only two catchers on the roster with Smith’s timeline still somewhat uncertain leaves the club exposed.

Hunter Feduccia has gotten some looks as the emergency option, but he’s not the kind of proven commodity you want relying on down the stretch if you’re trying to compete. The Dodgers have generally valued having three catchers available — or at least a reliable third option stashed at Triple-A Oklahoma City — and right now that depth simply isn’t there.

The catcher market at the deadline is rarely splashy, but there are usually a few veteran backups available from teams out of contention. We’re talking about a low-cost rental type, someone who can step in and catch a couple times a week without the lineup taking a major hit. This isn’t a move that would require giving up meaningful prospect capital.

What I find interesting is the framing here. The Dodgers have been widely expected to offload pieces — we already know about the Blake Snell decision — yet the front office clearly isn’t willing to just punt entirely on 2026. Adding a catcher is a small, practical move that signals they still believe in this roster’s ability to compete once the injured players start filtering back. It’s not a blockbuster. It’s roster management. And honestly, it’s the kind of thing Andrew Friedman’s front office does well — identifying a need, filling it cheaply, and not overthinking it.

Four days until the deadline. If a deal happens here, expect it to be quiet and efficient. That’s the Dodger way when it comes to these depth acquisitions.

Source(s): Staff (DodgerBlue.com) | First reported: July 30, 2026 2:18 PM UTC

God Bless and Go Dodgers