Whether relying on Yasmani Grandal or Will Smith as their starting catcher, one constant for the Los Angeles Dodgers was Austin Barnes filling the backup role since he was acquired in a trade with the Miami Marlins before the 2015 season.
Barnes made his MLB debut that year and also played in 21 games the following season before taking on a more prominent role with the Dodgers. Barnes went into the 2025 season as the longest-tenured Dodgers position player with this being his 11th year on the roster.
However, change is now afoot with top prospect Dalton Rushing getting promoted from Triple-A Oklahoma City. According to Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic, Barnes will be designated for assignment by the Dodgers:
Dodgers will designate Austin Barnes for assignment, league sources said. Was the Dodgers' longest-tenured position player. https://t.co/yE1XRfcGk0
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) May 14, 2025
The Dodgers’ decision to DFA Barnes makes room for Rushing on their 40-man and active rosters in one fell swoop. It is nevertheless a shocking move given Barnes’ tenure with the organization and strong reputation in the clubhouse.
There also is the matter of Barnes having a close friendship with Clayton Kershaw, who is poised to come off the 60-day injured list on Saturday to start his 18th season with the Dodgers.
Barnes had largely regressed over recent seasons, though there was somewhat of a bounce back last year. Having appeared in 13 games this season, Barnes hit .214/.233/.286 with three doubles and two RBI. In addition to offensive struggles, Barnes wasn’t successful in preventing stolen bases.
Austin Barnes’ contract
The Dodgers signed Barnes to a two-year, $7 million contract extension in July 2022. His deal was guaranteed through 2024 and included a $3.5 million team option for 2025 that was exercised.
“It’s a great organization, obviously, and I’ve been part of some special teams. I think that’s part of the future, too. It’s either World Series or nothing,” Barnes said at the time of signing his contract extension. “That’s the kind of team I want to be part of.”
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