In addition to having players become free agents, the Los Angeles Dodgers also faced contract options with Austin Barnes, Clayton Kershaw and Miguel Rojas for the 2025 season.
That was in the form of team options for Barnes and Rojas, while Kershaw’s is a player decision. Also in Kershaw’s case was some question over whether he would retire after the 2024 season, but he ruled out that possibility last month.
Players and teams faced a Monday deadline to make decisions on contract options for 2025.
According to Robert Murray of FanSided, the Dodgers exercised their million option on Barnes to keep him under contract with the team next season:
The Los Angeles Dodgers have exercised their $3.5 million club option on catcher Austin Barnes, according to a source familiar with the situation.
— Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) November 2, 2024
The Dodgers signed Barnes to a two-year, $7 million contract extension in July 2022. His deal was guaranteed through 2024 and included the aforementioned $3.5 million club option for next year.
“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.”
Barnes’ contract extension also included performance bonuses for games played, with thresholds set at 65, 70, 75, 80 and 85. And the deal called for Barnes to make charitable contributions to the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation.
The 2024 season was Barnes’ 10th at the Major League level, with each year coming with the Dodgers.
2024 review: Austin Barnes
Barnes continued to fill a backup role to Will Smith, but his season included suffering multiple fractures in his left big toe.
The first instance was in August, and Barnes then suffered a separate fracture in the same toe during the final month of the season. Both cases required time spent on the 10-day injured list.
Barnes was back in time for the postseason but he only appeared in one game, entering off the bench in Game 5 of the National League Championship Series because Smith had been struck in the left hand.
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
