The Los Angeles Dodgers exercised their $3.5 million team option on Austin Barnes that ensured the veteran catcher would return for his 10th season with the team.
Barnes has been instrumental to the Dodgers’ success over the years, even if it doesn’t seem that way at times due to his lack of production on the field.
For what he doesn’t provide offensively, Barnes more than makes up with his intangibles and skills behind the plate.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts praised Barnes and believes he is one of the club’s unsung heroes, via Doug Padilla of the Southern California News Group:
“There’s not many guys playing today that have caught the last out of a World Series game and that have been a part of an organization for so long,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “I think he understands the fabric of and culture of our club. He’s one of the glue guys, he really is.
“Guys respect him, and he does whatever we need from him. He’s one of the guys I count on for consistency and messaging and also performance.”
Barnes has filled a backup role at catcher for most of his stint with the Dodgers, which began in 2015 after the team acquired him from the Miami Marlins.
However, the 35-year-old has been able to step into a starting role when needed and most notably caught the final pitch of the 2020 World Series.
Barnes has carved out a nice career for himself and will look to continue playing an important role as the Dodgers look to repeat as World Series champions this season.
Austin Barnes’ career with Dodgers
In parts of 10 seasons with the Dodgers thus far, Barnes has hit .223/.324/.339 with 60 doubles, three triples, 35 home runs and 160 RBI across 599 games.
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