The Giants released veteran catcher Austin Barnes from their Triple-A affiliate, per the transaction log at MiLB.com. He’d signed a minor league deal with San Francisco after being designated for assignment and released by the Giants’ archrival Dodgers back in June.
Barnes, 36 in the offseason, played in parts of 11 seasons with the Dodgers but got into only 13 games this season before being cut loose. He tallied 44 plate appearances, during which he batted just .214/.233/.286. He totaled a similar 46 plate appearances with the Giants’ top affiliate after signing there and posted a .205/.326/.205 slash in that short audition. He’ll now head back to the market in search of other opportunities.
Barnes has always been more of a glove-first catcher, whose primary offensive contributions have come via his plate discipline. He’s a career .223/.322/.318 hitter who’s walked in just over 11% of his plate appearances in the majors. Barnes had a passable year at the plate in 2024 but hasn’t been an average or better hitter since 2022. Over his past 400 plate appearances in the big leagues, he’s batted .217/.283/.272 (57 wRC+).
Though he can’t be expected to return to even his modest career rate stats with the bat at this stage of his career, Barnes is a seasoned backstop who has worked with dozens of high-profile pitchers over his career — most notably, of course, Dodgers icon Clayton Kershaw. That experience, paired with his reputation as a teammate and game-caller, figures to get him a look with a team in need of some catching depth down the stretch.
Dodgers should pick him up on a minor league deal. Now that Fedducia is gone, if Smith or Rushing got hurt Dodgers could need him.
Bring back Barnesy as a minor league backup and possible coaching of the younger players
Imagine calling a grown man “Barnesy”
He made $18 million in ten years, not bad at all!
I’ve made “slightly” less
If he invested wisely, he should be set for life and can pick his own path.
Might be a good time to start the coaching career, Austin.
He played on four different Dodgers teams that went to the World Series and has two rings. Pretty cool career.
If he can’t get a deal with the team I wouldn’t mind seeing him get signed by the dodgers to a minor league contract. This way he can get a feel for the young pitchers, and maybe start his coaching career.
Well respected teammate and clubhouse guy. Able to lead without being a big name or offensive contributor. Was clutch at times when he needed to be. He’s definitely coaching material if it’s what he wants.
On another note, I hope we bring Justin back to the organization when he’s done playing.
It’s a bad day for Austin. All around.
Regrettable.
The Sacramento River Cats’ transaction page had this 3 days ago. MLBTR can be forgiven for its tardiness thanks to the trade deadline frenzy though 🙂
Do you think Buster does this release with Barnes personally? They must have a relationship from their playing days
RedSox should bring him in as depth. When rosters expand, call him up. Cora likes flexibility. A third catcher that can fill in at a few other positions helps. Not to mention, he’s familiar with Buehler and May
Not to mention that he could surpass Wong in every hitting category in just one game.