Austin Barnes has been released from the Giants' Triple-A affiliate after signing a minor league deal following his release from the Dodgers. At 36, he has played for 11 seasons but struggled this year with only 13 games and a batting average of .214. After joining the Giants’ affiliate, he maintained similar struggles with a .205 average. Barnes, known more for his defense and game-calling skills, faces challenges offensively but may attract interest from teams in need of catching depth due to his experience.
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.
Barnes has always been more of a glove-first catcher, whose primary offensive contributions have come via his plate discipline.
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.
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.
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