The Los Angeles Dodgers could turn to Athletics catcher Jonah Heim as they search for additional depth behind the plate before the Aug. 3 MLB Trade Deadline.

Heim represents the type of experienced, short-term addition that would make sense for the Dodgers. Los Angeles is preparing for another postseason run without necessarily seeking a permanent solution at catcher.

According to Zack Meisel from The Athletic, Los Angeles could be among the teams interested if Heim becomes available. Meisel also identified the New York Yankees and Tampa Bay Rays as possible destinations, particularly for teams that miss out on acquiring Minnesota Twins catcher Ryan Jeffers.

“… they’ll send Heim to a team in need of some catching help, perhaps the Dodgers or Yankees or Rays, one of the teams that strikes out on acquiring Ryan Jeffers,” Meisel wrote.

Heim’s situation with the Athletics has recently changed.

With Shea Langeliers likely out for the remainder of the season because of a torn meniscus in his right knee, Heim is serving as the Athletics’ primary catcher moving forward.

Heim is hitting .220 with 10 home runs, 33 RBIs and a .694 OPS in 60 games with the Atlanta Braves and Athletics this season.

The Dodgers’ potential interest is connected to the uncertainty surrounding Will Smith.

According to Katie Woo from The Athletic, Smith is pain free and has started baseball activity after being sidelined since June 8 because of neck inflammation.

Smith revealed that doctors diagnosed him with an inflamed disc, and his recovery has lasted considerably longer than the organization initially anticipated.

Before the injury, Smith was having a down season compared with previous years, recording a .249/.338/.382 slash line with six home runs and 23 RBIs in 52 games.

Dalton Rushing currently serves as the Dodgers’ starting catcher, with Eliezer Alfonzo as his backup.

Even with Smith making progress, Los Angeles could pursue a catcher on an expiring contract to provide additional depth for the remainder of the season.

Heim fits that profile while offering considerably more than simple roster insurance.

His experience handling MLB pitching staffs would be particularly valuable for a Dodgers team built around World Series expectations.

Catchers must understand different repertoires, recognize how opposing hitters are approaching individual pitchers, and adjust throughout games.

Heim has spent years developing those skills while working with pitchers possessing different styles and personalities.

He also brings postseason experience, an important quality for a team expecting to play deep into October.

The pressure placed on catchers increases considerably during those games because pitch selection, communication, and defensive execution can influence an entire series.

His switch-hitting ability provides additional flexibility, while his experience moving between organizations demonstrates an ability to adapt quickly to unfamiliar pitching staffs.

For Los Angeles, Heim would not need to arrive as a replacement for Smith. He could strengthen the position immediately, provide protection against another setback, and give the Dodgers another experienced catching option for the postseason.

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