A.J. Pierzynski draws Dodgers’ interest

The Los Angeles Dodgers could be looking at signing veteran catcher A.J. Pierzynski, according to Jon Heyman. They do not appear to need catching due to the emergence of A.J. Ellis, but Heyman suggests they could load up on veterans this winter to take an all-in shot at the World Series next season.

Pierzynski had something of a late-career renaissance last season with the Chicago White Sox, hitting .278/.326/.501 with 27 home runs. The performance earned him a Silver Slugger, the first of his 15-year career. He has spent the last eight seasons with the White Sox, but the soon-to-be 36-year-old hit free agency this winter looking for what is likely to be his last big contract.

He has been a model of consistency over his long career, making at least 400 plate appearances every season for the last 12. Common sense suggests he should be slowing down in his advanced age, but last season proved he still has something to offer. The Dodgers may have to outbid the likes of the Yankees for Pierzynski's services, as they are also looking for a new backstop. Russell Martin caught for them the past two seasons, but he is reportedly on his way to Pittsburgh. So the Yankees will have to look elsewhere for catching help, and they could very likely give Pierzynski a call.