The Mets announced Thursday that they signed former Dodgers catcher Austin Barnes, part of the team’s World Series champion rosters in 2020 and 2024, to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training.
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Barnes, 36, spent part of last season in the San Francisco Giants organization after being designated for assignment by the Dodgers at midseason.
Never a strong hitter, Barnes spent 11 seasons with the Dodgers as a backup catcher. He slashed .223/.322/.338 but was a favorite target of recently retired ace Clayton Kershaw.
Barnes caught the final out of the 2020 World Series, and was part of the 2024 Dodgers team that defeated the New York Yankees in a five-game World Series victory.
After being released by the Dodgers in May 2025 to make room for prospect Dalton Rushing, Barnes signed a minor league contract with the Giants last June. However, he never appeared in a game with San Francisco.
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The Mets have three catchers on their 40-man roster: starter Francisco Alvarez, as well as backups Luis Torrens and Hayden Senger. Barnes gives them a veteran option in case of an injury to one of their existing catchers, and represents a low-risk signing if he doesn’t make the team.
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