Originally published by DodgerBlue.com
Austin Barnes is one of the longest-tenured players on the Los Angeles Dodgers roster after being acquired from the Miami Marlins in 2014, and is due to remain with the organization for at least two more seasons.
The Dodgers and Barnes agreed to a two-year extension back in July that will keep the long-time backstop with the team through the 2024 season. The 32-year-old was set to become a free agent after the 2022 season before signing the deal worth $7 million.
Barnes has never been known for his offensive ability but is held in high regard for his ability to manage a pitching staff and for his defense. His love for the Dodgers and their focus on putting the best product on the field made his return an easy decision.
“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 of signing the contract extension. “That’s the kind of team I want to be part of.”
Barnes has appeared in 42 postseason games for the Dodgers dating back to 2016, and was a key member of the 2020 World Series run. He once took over the starting role from Yasmani Grandal and is now regarded as the ‘Captain’ in the clubhouse.
Although Barnes has never been a key offensive player on the Dodgers outside of his 2017 breakout run, his contributions to the team are invaluable because of his experience, and that alone makes him one of, if not the best backup catchers in all of baseball.
Austin Barnes contract extension includes charitable commitment
Aside from being locked in as a member of the Dodgers through at least 2024, Barnes’ new contract includes a commitment to make charitable donations.
Should he remain with the team throughout the lifetime of the contract, Barnes will have spent 10 seasons with the Dodgers. He’s the third-longest tenured player on the Dodgers roster, behind only Clayton Kershaw and Justin Turner. Kershaw is due to become a free agent and the Dodgers hold a team option on Turner’s contract.
John Roseboro, Steve Yeager, Joe Ferguson and Mike Scioscia are catchers who were with the Dodgers for at least 10 seasons. Though, Ferguson’s time with the franchise across multiple stints.
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