The Dodgers are bringing back a familiar face behind the plate, signing catcher Chuckie Robinson to a minor league deal. It’s a reunion of sorts, as Robinson spent a good chunk of the 2025 season in the Dodgers’ system after being claimed off waivers from the Angels back in May.
His first stint in Los Angeles was brief and a bit of a whirlwind. Just days after joining the team, Robinson was designated for assignment and then outrighted off the 40-man roster.
He made just one big league appearance with the Dodgers - a September 15 game that ended up being his only Major League action of the season. A week later, the Braves scooped him up on waivers, but that stint was short-lived too.
Atlanta outrighted him in early November, and with a previous outright already on his record, Robinson opted for free agency.
That single game in September marked the 52nd Major League appearance of Robinson’s career. He’s had previous stints with the Reds in 2022 and the White Sox in 2024, totaling 138 plate appearances across those three seasons.
Offensively, the numbers haven’t been there - he owns a career slash line of .131/.169/.192 at the Major League level. Even in Triple-A, his production has been modest: a .268/.329/.405 line with 27 home runs over 1,039 plate appearances.
But here’s the thing - Robinson’s value doesn’t come from his bat. What’s kept him in the mix for multiple organizations is his glove. He’s built a strong reputation as a reliable, defense-first catcher, and that kind of skill set still matters, especially when you’re looking to round out a roster or provide depth in the system.
That’s exactly the role he’ll fill now in his return to the Dodgers. The big-league catching situation in L.A. is set, with All-Star Will Smith entrenched as the starter and Dalton Rushing, a former top prospect, stepping into the backup role.
But beyond that, Robinson is the only catcher in the organization with any Major League experience. That makes him a valuable insurance policy - someone who can work with young pitchers, handle a staff, and step in if injuries strike.
Don’t be surprised if the Dodgers add even more catching depth before Spring Training. Having extra backstops around isn’t just about injury protection - it’s also about giving pitchers, especially younger arms, a chance to work with experienced receivers.
Robinson fits that mold perfectly. He may not light up the stat sheet, but his presence behind the plate brings stability, and that’s something every contending team needs in its system.